Electronic device, user equipment, method and computer readable storage medium

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an electronic device, a User Equipment (UE), a method, and a computer readable storage medium. According to the present invention, a method for determining location of a positioning reference signal (PRS) comprises: obtaining a subcarrier interval of a resource block (RB); and determining a time-frequency location of the PRS in the RB according to the subcarrier interval. The electronic device, the UE, the method, and the computer readable storage medium according to the present invention can be used for designing the PRS with respect to an NR communication system more reasonably, so as to optimize the positioning of the UE.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/770,628, filed Jun. 8, 2020, which is based on PCT filingPCT/CN2019/079813, filed Mar. 27, 2019, which claims priority to ChinesePatent Application No. 201810298383.3, filed Apr. 3, 2018 with theChinese Patent Office, each of which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present application generally relate to the field ofwireless communications, in particular to an electronic device, a userequipment, a method and a computer readable storage medium. Inparticular, the present disclosure relates to a method for determining aposition of a PRS (Positioning Reference Signal), an electronic deviceused as a network side device, a user equipment, a wirelesscommunication method performed by an electronic device used as a networkside device, a wireless communication method performed by a userequipment and a computer readable storage medium.

BACKGROUND

In an LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication system, the PRS may beused to position a UE (User Equipment). Since the LTE system does notadopt large-scale multi-antenna technology, narrow beams with heightdirectionality and high gain cannot be formed. Therefore, in the LTEcommunication system, the positioning manner is designed for propagationdelay of the reference signal. For example, the LTE communication systemmay calculate the position of the UE by measuring time difference ofarrival of a signal using OTDOA (Observed Time Difference of Arrival).In addition, in the LTE communication system, sequential scanning indifferent directions is performed by using a signal network side device.

In an NR (New Radio) communication system, in one aspect, multiple typesof subcarrier intervals exist in the NR communication system, and CRS(Cell-specific Reference Signal) for channel estimating used in the LTEsystem is not used in the NR communication system. Therefore, the NRcommunication system cannot use the PRS design in the LTE communicationsystem. In another aspect, since the positioning technology based ondelay such as OTDOA has a high requirement on synchronization, thepositioning is not accurate. In addition, in the LTE system, performingsequential scanning in different directions by a single network sidedevice will result in great overhead and great delay.

Therefore, it is necessary to put forward a technical solution to designthe PRS more reasonably for the NR communication system, therebyoptimizing the positioning of UE.

SUMMARY

A general summary of the present disclosure is provided here, ratherthan full disclosing of the whole scope or all features of the presentdisclosure.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device,a user equipment, a method and a computer readable storage medium, sothat PRSs are designed more reasonably for the NR communication system,so as to optimize positioning of UE.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method fordetermining a position of a positioning reference signal PRS isprovided. The method includes: acquiring a subcarrier interval of aresource block RB; and determining a time frequency position of thepositioning reference signal PRS in the RB according to the subcarrierinterval.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronicdevice used as a network side device is provided. The electronic deviceincludes processing circuitry configured to: acquire a serial number ofthe electronic device in a group composed of electronic devices forpositioning a user equipment; and determine a time frequency position ofa positioning reference signal PRS for the electronic device, accordingto the serial number of the electronic device in the group.

According to another aspect, a user equipment is provided. The userequipment includes processing circuitry configured to: receivepositioning reference signal PRSs from multiple network side devicesrespectively, where a time frequency position of a PRS for each networkside device is determined according to a serial number of the networkside device in a group composed of the multiple network side devices;and determine beam transmission angle information of each network sidedevice according to the PRS received from each network side device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wirelesscommunication method implemented by an electronic device is provided.The method includes: acquiring a serial number of the electronic devicein a group composed of electronic devices for positioning a userequipment; and determining a time frequency position of a positioningreference signal PRS for the electronic device, according to the serialnumber of the electronic device in the group.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wirelesscommunication method implemented by a user equipment is provided. Themethod includes: receiving positioning reference signal PRSs frommultiple network side devices respectively, where a time frequency of aPRS for each network side device is determined according to a serialnumber of the network side device in a group composed of the multiplenetwork side devices; and determining beam transmission angleinformation of each network side device according to the PRS receivedfrom each network side device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a computerreadable storage medium is provided. The computer readable storagemedium includes executable computer instructions, which, when beingexecuted by a computer, cause the computer to perform the wirelesscommunication method according to the present disclosure.

With the electronic device, the user equipment, the method and thecomputer readable storage medium according to the present disclosure,the position of the PRS can be determined according to the subcarrierinterval, so that the PRS is designed more reasonably for the NRcommunication system, thereby optimizing the positioning of UE.

According to the description provided here, further adaptive regionbecomes apparent. The description and specific examples in the summaryare only schematic, rather than limiting the scope of the presentdisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Drawings described herein show only schematic embodiments rather thanall possible embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an application scenario according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of a method for determining a position of PRSaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3(a) shows a schematic diagram of configurations of PDCCH (physicaldownlink control channel), DMRS (demodulation reference signal) andchannel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) in a case that asubcarrier interval is 15 KHZ;

FIG. 3(b) shows a schematic diagram of configurations of PDCCH, DMRS andCSI-RS in a case that the subcarrier interval is 30 KHZ;

FIG. 3(c) shows a schematic diagram of configurations of PDCCH, DMRS andCSI-RS in a case that the subcarrier interval is 60 KHZ;

FIG. 3(d) shows a schematic diagram of configurations of PDCCH, DMRS andCSI-RS in a case that the subcarrier interval is 120 KHZ;

FIG. 3(e) shows a schematic diagram of configurations of PDCCH, DMRS andCSI-RS in a case that the subcarrier interval is 240 KHZ;

FIG. 3(f) shows a schematic diagram of configurations of PDCCH, DMRS andCSI-RS in a case that the subcarrier interval is 480 KHZ;

FIG. 4(a) shows a schematic diagram of configurations of PRS accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case that thesubcarrier interval is 15 KHZ or 30 KHZ;

FIG. 4(b) shows a schematic diagram of configurations of PRS accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case that thesubcarrier interval is 60 KHZ;

FIG. 4(c) shows a schematic diagram of configurations of PRS accordingto an embodiment in a case that the subcarrier interval is 120 KHZ;

FIG. 4(d) shows a schematic diagram of configurations of PRS accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure in a case that the subcarrierinterval is 240 KHZ or 480 KHZ;

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for classifying PRSs according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6(a) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into two groups according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 15 KHZ or 30 KHz;

FIG. 6(b) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into three groups according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 15 KHZ or 30 KHZ;

FIG. 6(c) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into four groups according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 15 KHZ or 30 KHZ;

FIG. 7(a) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into two groups according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 60 KHZ;

FIG. 7(b) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into three groups according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 60 KHZ;

FIG. 7(c) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into four groups according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 60 KHZ;

FIG. 8(a) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into two groups according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 120 KHZ;

FIG. 8(b) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into three groups according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 120 KHZ;

FIG. 8(c) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into four groups according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 120 KHZ;

FIG. 9(a) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into two groups according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 240 KHZ or 480KHz;

FIG. 9(b) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into three groups according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 240 KHZ or 480KHZ;

FIG. 9(c) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into four groups according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 240 KHZ or 480KHZ;

FIG. 10(a) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into three groups according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 15 KHZ or30 KHZ;

FIG. 10(b) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into three groups according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 60 KHZ;

FIG. 10(c) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into three groups according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 120 KHZ;

FIG. 10(d) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into three groups according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 240 KHZ or480 KHZ;

FIG. 11(a) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into three groups according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 15 KHZ or30 KHZ;

FIG. 11(b) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into three groups according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 60 KHZ;

FIG. 11(c) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into three groups according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 120 KHZ;

FIG. 11(d) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when PRSs areclassified into three groups according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 240 KHZ or480 KHZ;

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a method for classifying PRSs andcorrecting positions of the PRSs according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of configuring positions of PRSs byfrequency shifting based on the group according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of configuring positions of PRSs byfrequency shifting based on the group according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 15 shows a schematic diagram of configuring positions of PRSs byfrequency shifting based on UE according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 16 shows a schematic diagram of configuring positions of PRSs byfrequency shifting based on UE according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 17 shows a schematic diagram of configuring positions of PRSs byfrequency shifting based on UE according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of an example of configurations of anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 shows a signaling flowchart of determining a position of PRS ofeach network side device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 20 shows a signaling flowchart of determining a position of PRS ofeach network side device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 21 shows a signaling flowchart of determining a position of PRS ofeach network side device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 22 shows a signaling flowchart of determining a position of PRS ofeach network side device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 23 shows a signaling flowchart of determining a position of PRS ofeach network side device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 24 shows a signaling flowchart of determining a position of PRS ofeach network side device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 25 shows a schematic diagram of beam scanning directions of twonetwork side devices according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 26 shows a block diagram of an example of configurations of anelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27(a) shows a signaling flowchart of performing beam scanning by auser equipment and a network side device respectively in a TDD (TimeDivision Duplexing) mode according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 27(b) shows a signaling flowchart of performing beam scanning by auser equipment and a network side device respectively in an FDD(Frequency Division Duplexing) mode according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 28 shows a flowchart of a wireless communication method performedby an electronic device used as a network side device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 shows a flowchart of a wireless communication method performedby a user equipment according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 30 shows a block diagram of a first example of a schematicconfiguration of an eNB (Evolved Node B);

FIG. 31 shows a block diagram of a second example of the schematicconfiguration of the eNB;

FIG. 32 shows a block diagram of an example of a schematic configurationof a smartphone; and

FIG. 33 shows a block diagram of an example of a schematic configurationof a vehicle navigation device.

Although the present disclosure is easily subjected to variousmodifications and replacements, specific embodiments as examples areshown in the drawings and described in detail here. However, it shouldbe understood that, the description of specific embodiments is notintended to limit the present disclosure. In contrast, the presentdisclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents andreplacements falling within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure. It should be noted that, corresponding reference numeralsindicate corresponding components throughout several drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Examples of the present disclosure are fully disclosed with reference tothe drawings. The description below is only schematic in essence, and isnot intended to limit the present disclosure, application or usage.

Schematic embodiments are provided, so that the present disclosure willbecome thorough and fully convey the scope thereof to those skilled inthe art. Many specific details such as examples of specific components,devices and methods are clarified here, to provide detailedunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It is apparentfor those skilled in the art that, the schematic embodiments may beimplemented by many different ways without using specific details, whichshould not be understood as limiting the scope of the presentdisclosure. In some schematic examples, well-known processes, structuresand technologies are not described in detail.

Description is made in the following order:

-   1. description of scenarios;-   2. design of positions of PRS:    -   2.1 overall design of PRSs;    -   2.2 classifying design of PRSs;    -   2.3 correcting positions of PRSs;-   3. examples of configurations of a network side device;-   4. examples of configurations of a user equipment;-   5. method embodiments; and-   6. application examples.

<1. Description of Scenarios>

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an application scenario according tothe present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, two network side devices arelocated around a UE, that is, a network side device 1 and a network sidedevice 2. The two network side devices may send PRSs to the UE forpositioning the UE. Here, at least one of the network side device 1 andthe network side device 2 may be located in a same cell with the UE. Asshown in FIG. 1, the network side device 1, the network side device 2and the UE each may be located in an NR communication system. Inaddition, FIG. 1 shows only the case that two network side devicesposition the UE, the UE may be positioned by more than two network sidedevices.

For such scenario, an electronic device used as a network side device, auser equipment, a method for determining a position of PRS, a wirelesscommunication method performed by an electronic device used as a networkside device, a wireless communication method performed by a userequipment and a computer readable storage medium are provided accordingto the present disclosure, so that PRSs are designed more reasonably forthe NR communication system, so as to optimize positioning of the UE.

The communication system according to the present disclosure may be a 5G(5 Generation) NR communication system.

The network side device according to the present disclosure may be anytype of TRP (Transmit and Receive Port). The TRP may have transmissionand receiving functions. For example, the TRP may receive informationfrom a user equipment and a base station device, and may transmitinformation to the user equipment and the base station device. In anexample, the TRP may provide services for the user equipment, and iscontrolled by the base station device. That is, the base station deviceprovides services for the user equipment via the TRP. In addition, thenetwork side device according to the present disclosure may be a basestation device for example an eNB, or may be a gNB (a base station inthe fifth generation communication system).

The user equipment according to the present disclosure may be a mobileterminal (for example a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), anotebook PC, a portable game terminal, a portable/dongle mobile routerand a digital camera) or a vehicle terminal (such as a vehiclenavigation device). The user equipment may be implemented as a terminalperforming machine to machine (M2M) communication (also referred to as amachine type communication (MTC) terminal). In addition, the userequipment may be a wireless communication module (for example anintegrated circuit module including a single chip) installed in each ofthe above terminals.

<2. Design of Positions of PRS>

<2.1 Overall Design of PRS>

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of a method for determining a position of PRSaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG.2, in step S210, a subcarrier interval of an RB (Resource Block) isobtained.

Subsequently, in step S220, a time frequency position of a PRS in the RBis determined according to the subcarrier interval.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may beapplied to an NR communication system. Different subcarrier intervalsexist in the NR communication system, including but not limited to 15KHZ, 30 KHZ, 60 KHZ, 120 KHZ, 240 KHZ and 480 KHZ. Therefore, in stepS210, the subcarrier interval of the RB is obtained. It should be notedthat, the design of PRS is for the RB in the present disclosure. This issince the PRS may be transmitted on one or more RBs, and the PRSstransmitted on the one or more RBs may have the same patterns. Further,a bandwidth for transmitting the PRS may be configured. For example, thebandwidth for transmitting PRS may be indicated by

N_(RB)^(new),

which indicates a ratio of the bandwidth for transmitting PRSs and abandwidth occupied by one RB. Since the PRSs on different RBs have thesame patterns, a position of the PRS in the RB is designed by taking oneRB as example in the following. In step S210, the subcarrier intervalsof the RB may be obtained by various manners. For example, thesubcarrier interval of the RB is determined by acquiring high layerconfigurations, and thus the position of the PRS in the RB is determinedaccording to the subcarrier interval of the RB in step S220. Further,the position of the PRS may include a time domain position and afrequency domain position.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the position of the PRS may be determined according todifferent subcarrier intervals, thereby designing the PRS morereasonably for the NR communication system.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, step S220includes: determining time domain positions and frequency domainpositions of multiple REs (Resource Element) occupied by the PRS in theRB. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a length ofone RB is 14 OFDM symbols in the time domain and is 12 subcarriers inthe frequency domain A length of one RE is one OFDM symbol in the timedomain, and is one subcarrier in the frequency domain. That is, each RBincludes 168 REs, and the PRS may occupy multiple REs among the 168 REs.Therefore, step S220 may include: determining a position of each of themultiple REs occupied by the PRS, including a time domain position and afrequency domain position. That is, step S220 may include: determiningthe time domain position of the RE and determining the frequency domainposition of the RE.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, step S220 mayinclude: the multiple REs do not overlap with each of PDCCH, DMRS andCSI-RS in the RB.

PDCCH, DMRS and CSI-RS are reference signals existing in the LTE system,and thus these reference signals are required in the NR system.Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, thePRS is required to avoid positions of the existing reference signals.That is, each RE is required to not overlap with each of PDCCH, DMRS andCSI-RS, that is, being orthogonal with each of PDCCH, DMRS and CSI-RS.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, in order tosimplify design of the PRS, the process of determining the time domainposition of the RE in step S220 may include that: the multiple REs donot overlap with each of PDCCH, DMRS and CSI-RS in the time domain. Thatis, the time domain position of each RE is determined, so that each REis orthogonal with each of PDCCH, DMRS and CSI-RS in the time domain.

FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(f) show schematic diagrams of configurations ofPDCCH, DMRS and CSI-RS under different subcarrier intervals.Specifically, FIG. 3(a) shows a schematic diagram of configurations ofPDCCH, DMRS and CSI-RS in a case that the subcarrier interval is 15 KHZ;FIG. 3(b) shows a schematic diagram of configurations of PDCCH, DMRS andCSI-RS in a case that the subcarrier interval is 30 KHZ; FIG. 3(c) showsa schematic diagram of configurations of PDCCH, DMRS and CSI-RS in acase that the subcarrier interval is 60 KHZ; FIG. 3(d) shows a schematicdiagram of configurations of PDCCH, DMRS and CSI-RS in a case that thesubcarrier interval is 120 KHZ; FIG. 3(e) shows a schematic diagram ofconfigurations of PDCCH, DMRS and CSI-RS in a case that the subcarrierinterval is 240 KHZ; and FIG. 3(f) shows a schematic diagram ofconfigurations of PDCCH, DMRS and CSI-RS in a case that the subcarrierinterval is 480 KHZ.

As shown in FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(f), 14 OFDM symbols in one RB aresequentially numbered as 0 to 13 from left to right (this numbering modeis used in the following). As shown in Figures, PDCCH occupies firstthree OFDM symbols of the RB, and CSI-RS occupies two upper subcarriersof an OFDM symbol 4. For configurations of the subcarrier interval being15 kHZ and 30 KHZ, DMRS occupies OFDM symbols 3, 5, 8 and 11. Forconfigurations of the subcarrier interval being 60 KHZ, DMRS occupiesOFDM symbols 3, 7 and 11. For configurations of the subcarrier intervalbeing 120 kHZ, DMRS occupies OFDM symbols 3 and 11. For configurationsof the subcarrier intervals being 240 KHZ and 480 KHZ, DMRS occupies anOFDM symbol 3.

Therefore, as described above, the process of determining the timedomain position of the RE may include: the RE does not overlap with eachof PDCCH, DMRS and CSI-RS in the time domain. Here, the position of theRE occupied by the PRS may be indicated by coordinates (l, k). In which,l indicates a coordination of the time domain position of the RE, and kindicates a coordination of the frequency domain position of the RE.That is, the RE occupied by the PRS is located on the l-th OFDM symbolin the time domain, and is located on the k-th subcarrier in thefrequency domain. In which, l=[0, 13], k=[6(N_(BWP) ^(size)−N_(RB)^(new)). 6(N_(BWP) ^(size)+N_(RB) ^(new))−1], N_(BWP) ^(size) indicatesa bandwidth for transmitting downlink data and is specifically a ratioof the bandwidth for transmitting downlink data and the bandwidthoccupied by one RB; N_(RB) ^(new) indicates the bandwidth fortransmitting PRS, and is specifically a ratio of the bandwidth fortransmitting the PRS and a bandwidth occupied by one RB. Here, thebandwidth for transmitting PRS may be greater than the bandwidth of oneRB, so all subcarriers on the entire bandwidth transmitting the PRS arenumbered together. However, patterns of the PRS on only one RB areshown. For facilitating illustration, k is numbered from 0 to 11.According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the time domainposition 1 of the RE may be determined according to the followingequation:

$\begin{matrix}{l = \{ \begin{matrix}{6,7,9,10,12,13} & {{\Delta\; f} = {15(30)\;{kHz}}} \\{5,6,8,9,10,12,13} & {{\Delta\; f} = {60{kHz}}} \\{5,6,7,8,9,10,12,13} & {{\Delta\; f} = {120{kHz}}} \\{5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13} & {{\Delta\; f} = {240(480){kHz}}}\end{matrix} } & (1)\end{matrix}$

in which, Δf indicates the subcarrier interval.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the step ofdetermining the time domain position of the RE includes: maximizing aspan of the multiple REs occupied by the PRS in the time domain of theRB. That is, the multiple REs occupied by the PRS are caused to bedistributed over all OFDM symbols of the RB as much as possible. Forexample, in addition OFDM symbols occupied by PDCCH, DMRS and CSI-RS,PRS is located on each OFDM symbol. As shown by the above equation (1),for configurations of the subcarrier interval being 15 KHZ and 30 KHZ,PRS are located on each of OFDM symbols 6, 7, 9, 10, 12 and 13, andconfigurations for other subcarrier intervals are similar.

It follows that, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure,the position of the PRS may be orthogonal with PDCCH, DMRS and CSI-RS,so that the design of reference signals of the NR communication systemis compatible with the LTE communication system.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the process ofdetermining the frequency domain position of the RE in step S220 mayinclude: maximizing s span of multiple REs occupied by the PRS in thefrequency domain of the RB. That is, the multiple REs occupied by thePRS are caused to be distributed over all subcarriers of the RB as muchas possible.

Further, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, theprocess of determining the frequency domain position of the RE in stepS220 may include: the number of REs occupied by the PRS on each OFDMsymbol does not exceed two. For example, two REs are occupied by the PRSon each OFDM. In this way, the frequency resource can be saved.

FIG. 4(a) to FIG. 4(d) show schematic diagrams of configurations of thePRS under different subcarrier configurations according to embodimentsof the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4(a) shows a schematicdiagram of configurations of the PRS according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure in a case that the subcarrier interval is 15 KHZ or30 KHZ; FIG. 4(b) shows a schematic diagram of configurations of the PRSaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a case that thesubcarrier interval is 60 KHZ; FIG. 4(c) shows a schematic diagram ofconfigurations of the PRS according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure in a case that the subcarrier interval is 120 KHZ; and FIG.4(d) shows a schematic diagram of configurations of the PRS according toan embodiment of the present disclosure in a case that the subcarrierinterval is 240 KHZ or 480 KHZ.

As shown by FIG. 4(a) to FIG. 4(d), in addition to OFDM symbols occupiedby PDCCH, DMRS and CSI-RS, a PRS is located on each OFDM symbol.Further, the PRS on each OFDM symbol occupies two REs. In addition, forconfigurations of the subcarrier interval being 30 KHZ, 60 KHZ, 120 KHZ,240 KHZ and 480 KHZ, a PRS is located on each subcarrier. In this way,the span of the PRS in the frequency domain and the time domain can bemaximized, and the frequency resources can be saved. It should be notedthat, FIG. 4(a) to FIG. 4(d) show only one possible design scheme forthe PRS for each subcarrier interval, but the present disclosure is notlimited thereto.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the process ofdetermining the frequency domain position of the RE in step S220 mayfurther include: determining a frequency domain position of the REaccording to the time domain position of the RE.

Further, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, theprocess of determining the frequency domain position of the RE in stepS220 may include determining a frequency domain position of the REaccording to at least one of the following parameters: physical layercell identification of a cell where a user to be positioned is located;a bandwidth for transmitting the PRS; and a bandwidth for transmittingdownlink data. For example, the frequency domain position k of the REmay be determined according to the following equations:

$\begin{matrix}{k = {{6( {m + N_{BWP}^{size} - N_{RB}^{new}} )} + {( {16 - l + v_{shift}} )\mspace{14mu}{mod}\mspace{11mu} 6}}} & (2) \\{{m = 0},1,{{\ldots\mspace{14mu} 2N_{RB}^{new}} - 1}} & (3) \\{v_{shift} = {N_{ID}^{cell}\mspace{14mu}{mod}\mspace{11mu} 6}} & (4)\end{matrix}$

in which, N_(BWP) ^(size) indicates a bandwidth for transmittingdownlink data, and is specifically a ratio of the bandwidth fortransmitting downlink data and a bandwidth occupied by one RB; N_(RB)^(new) indicates a bandwidth for transmitting the PRS, and isspecifically a ratio of the bandwidth for transmitting the PRS and thebandwidth occupied by one RB; and N_(ID) ^(cell) indicates physicallayer cell identification of a cell where a user equipment to bepositioned is located. In addition, N_(RB) ^(new)≤N_(BWP) ^(size).

As shown by the above equation (4), values of k may be related to N_(ID)^(cell). In a cellular architecture, one cell is adjacent to six cells.Therefore, with such design, the adjacent cells may adopt different PRSconfigurations, thereby avoiding interferences. In addition, the PRS maybe used to position the user equipment. Therefore, the position of thePRS may be designed for the user equipment to be positioned.Practically, the position of the PRS may be designed for a cell. In thiscase, N_(ID) ^(cell) may indicate physical layer cell identification ofa certain cell, and the designed PRS is for the cell, that is, adaptingto all user equipment in the cell.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the frequencydomain position of the RE may be determined according to only the timedomain position of the RE and the physical layer cell identification ofthe cell where the user equipment to be positioned is located. In thiscase, the above equation (2) may be simplified intok=6m+(16−l+v_(shift)), mod 6, where m=0 or m=1. The calculated k rangesin [0, 11], that is, indicating the frequency domain position of the REon each RB transmitting the PRS regardless of the bandwidth fortransmitting the PRS.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown by theabove equations (2) and (3), values of k may be related to N_(BWP)^(size) and N_(RB) ^(new). That is, the frequency domain position of theRE may be determined according to the time domain position of the RE,the physical layer cell identification of the cell where the userequipment to be positioned is located, the bandwidth for transmittingthe PRS and the bandwidth for transmitting downlink data. Here, N_(BWP)^(size) indicates a bandwidth for transmitting downlink data, and isspecifically a ratio of the bandwidth for transmitting downlink data andthe bandwidth occupied by one RB. According to the embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the bandwidth occupied by one RB is 12 subcarriers.It is assumed that the bandwidth for transmitting the downlink data is24 subcarriers, and thus a value of N_(BWP) ^(size) is 2. The method forcalculating N_(RB) ^(new) is similar.

The determining of the PRS position is described in detail by assumingthat the subcarrier interval is 15 KHZ or 30 KHZ. It is assumed thatv_(shift)=0, N_(BWP) ^(size)=1 and N_(RB) ^(new)=1, and thus m=0 or 1.The time frequency positions of the RE occupied by the PRS may beobtained as follows according to the above equations (1) to (4):

l k 6 4, 10 7 3, 9 9 1, 7 10 0, 6 12 4, 10 13 3, 9

In this way, the configurations shown in FIG. 4(a) can be obtained.Practically, for different values of v_(shift), N_(BWP) ^(size) andN_(RB) ^(new), different positions of PRSs can be obtained. Therefore,the present disclosure is not limited to positions of the PRSs shown inFIG. 4(a). The cases for other subcarrier intervals are similar.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the position of the PRS may be determined according to thesubcarrier interval. Specifically, the time domain position of the PRSmay be determined according to the subcarrier interval, and thefrequency domain position of the PRS may be determined according to thetime domain position of the PRS. Further, the frequency domain positionof the PRS may be determined according to the physical layer cellidentification of the cell where the user equipment to be positioned islocated, the bandwidth for transmitting the PRS and/or the bandwidth fortransmitting the downlink data. In this way, the position of the PRS canbe designed more reasonably according to the NR communication system.

<2.2 Classifying Design of PRS>

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, after theposition of the PRS is determined as above, and the PRSs may beclassified, to assign to multiple network side devices for positioningthe user equipment.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for classifying PRSs according toan embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, in stepS230, PRSs whose positions are determined are classified into multiplegroups. Subsequently, in step S240, PRSs of multiple groups are assignedto multiple network side devices for positioning the user equipment,respectively.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the number ofgroups of PRSs may be the same as the number of network side devices forpositioning the user equipment. That is, in a case that the userequipment is positioned by using two network side devices, the PRSs areclassified into two groups; in a case that the user equipment ispositioned by using three network side devices, the PRSs are classifiedinto three groups; and in a case that the user equipment is positionedby using four network side devices, the PRSs are classified into fourgroups, and so on.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the PRSs may be classified and assigned to multiple networkside devices. In this case, the classified PRSs may be used forbeamforming and positioning based on a beam angel, so that the multiplenetwork side devices cooperate to position the user equipment, therebyoptimizing the positioning of the user equipment.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, step S230 mayinclude: numbering the multiple groups obtained by classifying, forexample, numbering the multiple groups as n, where n ranges in [0, N−1]and N indicates the number of the groups. Further, the time domainposition and the frequency domain position of the RE occupied by the PRSin each group may be determined according to a serial number of thegroup. The classifying process is described in detail hereinafter.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, step S230 mayfurther include: assigning one or more REs on a same subcarrier occupiedby the PRS to one group. That is, PRSs on subcarrier 0 to subcarrier 11may be allocated to different groups. That is, REs in different groupsare orthogonal in the frequency domain, and REs in the same group mayuse the same frequency domain resource.

FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 6(c) show cases that the PRSs are classified accordingto the above method in a case that the subcarrier interval is 15 KHZ or30 KHZ. Specifically, FIG. 6(a) shows a schematic diagram ofconfigurations when the PRSs are classified into two groups according toan embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case that the subcarrierinterval is 15 KHZ or 30 KHZ; FIG. 6(b) shows a schematic diagram ofconfigurations when the PRSs are classified into three groups accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case that thesubcarrier interval is 15 KHZ or 30 KHZ; and FIG. 6(c) shows a schematicdiagram of configurations when the PRSs are classified into four groupsaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case that thesubcarrier interval is 15 KHZ or 30 KHZ.

As shown in FIG. 6(a), it is assumed that subcarriers are numbered as 11to 0 from top to bottom (such numbering manner is used in thefollowing). In this case, PRSs on subcarrier 10 occupy two REs, and thetwo REs are assigned to a group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 9 occupy two REs,and the two REs are assigned to a group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 7 occupyone RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 6occupy one RE, and the RE is allocated to the group 1; PRSs onsubcarrier 4 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group0; PRSs on subcarrier 3 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned tothe group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 1 occupy one RE, and the RE is assignedto the group 1; and PRSs on subcarrier 0 occupy one RE, the RE isassigned to the group 0.

As shown in FIG. 6(b), it is assumed that subcarriers are numbered as 11to 0 from top to bottom. In this case, PRSs on subcarrier 10 occupy twoREs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 9occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 2; PRSs onsubcarrier 7 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 0; PRSson subcarrier 6 occupy one RE, the RE is assigned to the group 1; PRSson subcarrier 4 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to a group2; PRSs on subcarrier 3 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned tothe group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 1 occupy one RE, and the RE is assignedto the group 1; and PRSs on subcarrier 0 occupy one RE, and the RE isassigned to the group 0.

As shown in FIG. 6(c), it is assumed that subcarriers are numbered as 11to 0 from top to bottom. In this case, PRSs on subcarrier 10 occupy twoREs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 2; PRSs on subcarrier 9occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 0; PRSs onsubcarrier 7 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 0; PRSson subcarrier 6 occupy one RE, the RE is assigned to the group 2; PRSson subcarrier 4 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to a group3; PRSs on subcarrier 3 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned tothe group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 1 occupy one RE, and the RE is assignedto the group 1; and PRSs on subcarrier 0 occupy one RE, and the RE isassigned to the group 3.

FIG. 7(a) to FIG. 7(c) show cases that the PRSs are classified accordingto the above method in a case that the subcarrier interval is 60 KHZ.Specifically, FIG. 7(a) shows a schematic diagram of configurations whenthe PRSs are classified into two groups according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 60KHZ; FIG. 7(b) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when the PRSsare classified into three groups according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 60 KHZ;and FIG. 7(c) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when the PRSsare classified into four groups according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 60 KHZ.

As shown in FIG. 7(a), it is assumed that subcarriers are numbered as 11to 0 from top to bottom. In this case, PRSs on subcarrier 11 occupy oneRE, and the RE is assigned to a group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 10 occupytwo REs, and the two REs are assigned to a group 1;

PRSs on subcarrier 9 occupy one RE, and the RE is allocated to the group0; PRSs on subcarrier 8 occupy one RE, and the RE is allocated to thegroup 1; PRSs on subcarrier 7 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned tothe group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 6 occupy one RE, and the RE is assignedto the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 5 occupy one RE, and the RE isassigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 4 occupy two REs, and thetwo REs are allocated to the group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 3 occupy oneRE, the RE is assigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 2 occupy oneRE, and the RE is assigned to the group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 1 occupyone RE, the RE is assigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 0 occupyone RE, the RE is assigned to the group 0.

As shown in FIG. 7(b), it is assumed that subcarriers are numbered as 11to 0 from top to bottom. In this case, PRSs on subcarrier 11 occupy oneRE, and the RE is assigned to a group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 10 occupytwo REs, and the two REs are assigned to a group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 9occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 2; PRSs on subcarrier8 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 0; PRSs onsubcarrier 7 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 1; PRSson subcarrier 6 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 2;PRSs on subcarrier 5 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group1; PRSs on subcarrier 4 occupy two REs, the two REs are assigned to thegroup 2; PRSs on subcarrier 3 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned tothe group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 2 occupy one RE, the RE is assigned tothe group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 1 occupy one RE, and the RE is assignedto the group 2; PRSs on subcarrier 0 occupy one RE, the RE is assignedto the group 0.

As shown in FIG. 7(c), it is assumed that subcarriers are numbered as 11to 0 from top to bottom. In this case, PRSs on subcarrier 11 occupy oneRE, and the RE is assigned to the group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 10 occupytwo REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 2; PRSs on subcarrier9 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 0; PRSs onsubcarrier 8 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 2; PRSson subcarrier 7 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 0;PRSs on subcarrier 6 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group2; PRSs on subcarrier 5 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to thegroup 1; PRSs on subcarrier 4 occupy two REs, the two REs are assignedto the group 3; PRSs on subcarrier 3 occupy one RE, and the RE isassigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 2 occupy one RE, the RE isassigned to the group 3; PRSs on subcarrier 1 occupy one RE, and the REis assigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 0 occupy one RE, the REis assigned to the group 3

FIG. 8(a) to FIG. 8(c) show cases that the PRSs are classified accordingto the above method in a case that the subcarrier interval is 120 KHZ.Specifically, FIG. 8(a) shows a schematic diagram of configurations whenthe PRSs are classified into two groups according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 120KHZ; FIG. 8(b) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when the PRSsare classified into three groups according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 120 KHZ;and FIG. 8(c) shows a schematic diagram of configurations when the PRSsare classified into four groups according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, in a case that the subcarrier interval is 120 KHZ.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), it is assumed that subcarriers are numbered as 11to 0 from top to bottom. In this case, PRSs on subcarrier 11 occupy oneRE, and the RE is assigned to a group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 10 occupytwo REs, and the two REs are assigned to a group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 9occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 0; PRSs onsubcarrier 8 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 1; PRSson subcarrier 7 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 0;PRSs on subcarrier 6 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group1; PRSs on subcarrier 5 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to thegroup 1; PRSs on subcarrier 4 occupy two REs, the REs are assigned tothe group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 3 occupy two REs, and the two REs areassigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 2 occupy one RE, the RE isassigned to the group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 1 occupy one RE, and the REis assigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 0 occupy one RE, the REis assigned to the group 0.

As shown in FIG. 8(b), it is assumed that subcarriers are numbered as 11to 0 from top to bottom. In this case, PRSs on subcarrier 11 occupy oneRE, and the RE is assigned to the group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 10 occupytwo REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier9 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 2; PRSs onsubcarrier 8 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 0; PRSson subcarrier 7 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 1;PRSs on subcarrier 6 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group2; PRSs on subcarrier 5 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to thegroup 1; PRSs on subcarrier 4 occupy two REs, the two REs are assignedto the group 2; PRSs on subcarrier 3 occupy two REs, and the two REs areassigned to the group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 2 occupy one RE, the RE isassigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 1 occupy one RE, and the REis assigned to the group 2; PRSs on subcarrier 0 occupy one RE, the REis assigned to the group 0.

As shown in FIG. 8(c), it is assumed that subcarriers are numbered as 11to 0 from top to bottom. In this case, PRSs on subcarrier 11 occupy oneRE, and the RE is assigned to the group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 10 occupytwo REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 2; PRSs on subcarrier9 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 0; PRSs onsubcarrier 8 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 2; PRSson subcarrier 7 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 0;PRSs on subcarrier 6 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to the group2; PRSs on subcarrier 5 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to thegroup 1; PRSs on subcarrier 4 occupy two REs, the two REs are assignedto the group 3; PRSs on subcarrier 3 occupy two REs, and the two REs areassigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 2 occupy one RE, the RE isassigned to the group 3; PRSs on subcarrier 1 occupy one RE, and the REis assigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 0 occupy one RE, the REis assigned to the group 3.

FIG. 9(a) to FIG. 9(c) show cases that the PRSs are classified accordingto the above method in a case that the subcarrier interval is 240 KHZ or480 KHZ. Specifically, FIG. 9(a) shows a schematic diagram ofconfigurations when the PRSs are classified into two groups according toan embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case that the subcarrierinterval is 240 KHZ or 480 KHZ; FIG. 9(b) shows a schematic diagram ofconfigurations when the PRSs are classified into three groups accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case that thesubcarrier interval is 240 KHZ or 480 KHZ; and FIG. 9(c) shows aschematic diagram of configurations when the PRSs are classified intofour groups according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in acase that the subcarrier interval is 240 KHZ or 480 KHZ.

As shown in FIG. 9(a), it is assumed that subcarriers are numbered as 11to 0 from top to bottom. In this case, PRSs on subcarrier 11 occupy twoREs, and the two REs are assigned to a group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 10occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to a group 1; PRSs onsubcarrier 9 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group0; PRSs on subcarrier 8 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to thegroup 1; PRSs on subcarrier 7 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned tothe group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 6 occupy one RE, and the RE is assignedto the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 5 occupy two REs, and the two REs areassigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 4 occupy two REs, the twoREs are assigned to the group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 3 occupy two REs,and the two REs are assigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 2 occupyone RE, the RE is assigned to the group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 1 occupyone RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 0occupy one RE, the RE is assigned to the group 0.

As shown in FIG. 9(b), it is assumed that subcarriers are numbered as 11to 0 from top to bottom. In this case, PRSs on subcarrier 11 occupy twoREs, and the two REs are assigned to a group 10; PRSs on subcarrier 1occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to a group 1; PRSs onsubcarrier 9 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group2; PRSs on subcarrier 8 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to thegroup 0; PRSs on subcarrier 7 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned tothe group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 6 occupy one RE, and the RE is assignedto the group 2; PRSs on subcarrier 5 occupy two REs, and the two REs areassigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 4 occupy two REs, the twoREs are assigned to the group 2; PRSs on subcarrier 3 occupy two REs,and the two REs are assigned to the group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 2 occupyone RE, the RE is assigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 1 occupyone RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 2; and PRSs on subcarrier 0occupy one RE, the RE is assigned to the group 0.

As shown in FIG. 9(c), it is assumed that subcarriers are numbered as 11to 0 from top to bottom. In this case, PRSs on subcarrier 11 occupy twoREs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 10occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 2; PRSs onsubcarrier 9 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group0; PRSs on subcarrier 8 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned to thegroup 2; PRSs on subcarrier 7 occupy one RE, and the RE is assigned tothe group 0; PRSs on subcarrier 6 occupy one RE, and the RE is assignedto the group 2; PRSs on subcarrier 5 occupy two REs, and the two REs areassigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 4 occupy two REs, the twoREs are assigned to the group 3; PRSs on subcarrier 3 occupy two REs,and the two REs are assigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 2 occupyone RE, the RE is assigned to the group 3; PRSs on subcarrier 1 occupyone RE, and the RE is assigned to the group 1; PRSs on subcarrier 0occupy one RE, the RE is assigned to the group 3.

As shown in FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 9(c), the one or more REs on the samesubcarrier occupied by the PRSs are assigned to one group. Practically,FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 9(c) are schematic rather than restrictive.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, step S230 mayfurther include: assigning one or more REs on a same OFDM symboloccupied by the PRS to one group. That is, PRSs on OFDM symbol 0 to OFDMsymbol 13 are assigned to different groups. That is, REs in differentgroups are orthogonal in the time domain, and REs in the same group mayuse the same time domain resource.

FIG. 10(a) to FIG. 10(d) show that the PRSs are classified into threegroups for example by using the above method under different subcarrierintervals. Specifically, FIG. 10(a) shows a schematic diagram ofconfigurations when the PRSs are classified into three groups accordingto another embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case that thesubcarrier interval is 15 KHZ or 30 KHZ; FIG. 10(b) shows a schematicdiagram of configurations when the PRSs are classified into three groupsaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure, in a casethat the subcarrier interval is 60 KHZ; FIG. 10(c) shows a schematicdiagram of configurations when the PRSs are classified into three groupsaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure, in a casethat the subcarrier interval is 120 KHZ; and FIG. 10(d) shows aschematic diagram of configurations when the PRSs are classified intothree groups according to another embodiment of the present disclosure,in a case that the subcarrier interval is 240 KHZ or 480 KHZ.

As shown in FIG. 10(a), it is assumed that OFDM symbols are numbered as0 to 13 from left to right. In this case, PRSs on OFDM symbol 6 occupytwo REs, and the two REs are assigned to a group 1; PRSs on OFDM symbol7 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to a group 2; PRSs onOFDM symbol 9 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group0; PRSs on OFDM symbol 10 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assignedto the group 1; PRSs on OFDM symbol 12 occupy two REs, and the two REsare assigned to the group 2; PRSs on OFDM symbol 13 occupy two REs, andthe two REs are assigned to the group 0.

As shown in FIG. 10(b), it is assumed that OFDM symbols are numbered as0 to 13 from left to right. In this case, PRSs on OFDM symbol 5 occupytwo REs, and the two REs are assigned to a group 0; PRSs on OFDM symbol6 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to a group 1; PRSs onOFDM symbol 8 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group0; PRSs on OFDM symbol 9 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned tothe group 1; PRSs on OFDM symbol 10 occupy two REs, and the two REs areassigned to the group 2; PRSs on OFDM symbol 12 occupy two REs, and thetwo REs are assigned to the group 2; and PRSs on OFDM symbol 13 occupytwo REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 0.

As shown in FIG. 10(c), it is assumed that OFDM symbols are numbered as0 to 13 from left to right. In this case, PRSs on OFDM symbol 5 occupytwo REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 0; PRSs on OFDMsymbol 6 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 1;PRSs on OFDM symbol 7 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned tothe group 2; PRSs on OFDM symbol 8 occupy two REs, and the two REs areassigned to the group 0; PRSs on OFDM symbol 9 occupy two REs, and thetwo REs are assigned to the group 1; PRSs on OFDM symbol 10 occupy twoREs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 2; PRSs on OFDM symbol 12occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 2; PRSs onOFDM symbol 13 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group0.

As shown in FIG. 10(d), it is assumed that OFDM symbols are numbered as0 to 13 from left to right. In this case, PRSs on OFDM symbol 5 occupytwo REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 0; PRSs on OFDMsymbol 6 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 1;PRSs on OFDM symbol 7 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned tothe group 2; PRSs on OFDM symbol 8 occupy two REs, and the two REs areassigned to the group 0; PRSs on OFDM symbol 9 occupy two REs, and thetwo REs are assigned to the group 1; PRSs on OFDM symbol 10 occupy twoREs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 2; PRSs on OFDM symbol 11occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group 1; PRSs onOFDM symbol 12 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to the group2; and PRSs on OFDM symbol 13 occupy two REs, and the two REs areassigned to the group 0.

As shown in FIG. 10(a) to FIG. 10(d), the one or more REs on the sameOFDM symbol occupied by the PRS are assigned to one group. Practically,FIG. 10(a) to FIG. 10(d) are schematic rather than restrictive. Inaddition, the cases that the PRSs are classified into two groups or fourgroups are similar, and details are not repeated herein.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, step S230 mayinclude:

assigning one or more REs on the same subcarrier occupied by the PRS todifferent groups, and assigning one or more REs on the same OFDM symboloccupied by the PRS to different groups. That is, time domain positionsand frequency domain positions of multiple REs in the same group areorthogonal.

FIG. 11(a) to FIG. 11(d) show that PRSs are classified into three groupsfor example by using the above method under different subcarrierintervals. Specifically, FIG. 11(a) shows a schematic diagram ofconfigurations when PRSs are classified into three groups according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case that thesubcarrier interval is 15 KHZ or 30 KHZ; FIG. 11(b) shows a schematicdiagram of configurations when PRSs are classified into three groupsaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure, in a casethat the subcarrier interval is 60 KHZ; FIG. 11(c) shows a schematicdiagram of configurations when PRSs are classified into three groupsaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure, in a casethat the subcarrier interval is 120 KHZ; and FIG. 11(d) shows aschematic diagram of configurations when PRSs are classified into threegroups according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, in acase that the subcarrier interval is 240 KHZ or 480 KHZ.

As shown in FIG. 11(a), from the view of time domain, PRSs on OFDMsymbol 6 occupies two REs, and the two REs are assigned to differentgroups; PRSs on OFDM symbol 7 occupy two REs, and the two REs areassigned to different groups; PRSs on OFDM symbol 9 occupy two REs, andthe two REs are assigned to different groups; PRSs on OFDM symbol 10occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to different groups; PRSson OFDM symbol 12 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned todifferent groups; and PRSs on OFDM symbol 13 occupy two REs, and the twoREs are assigned to different groups. From the view of frequency domain,PRSs on subcarrier 10 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned todifferent groups; PRSs on subcarrier 9 occupy two REs, and the two REsare assigned to different groups; PRSs on subcarrier 4 occupy two REs,and the two REs are assigned to different groups; and PRSs on subcarrier3 occupy two REs, and the two REs are assigned to different groups. FIG.11(b), FIG. 11(c) and FIG. 11(d) show similar cases, and details are notdescribed herein.

As shown in FIG. 11(a) to FIG. 11(d), one or more REs on the same OFDMsymbol occupied by the PRS are assigned to different groups, and one ormore REs on the same subcarrier occupied by PRS are assigned todifferent groups. Practically, FIG. 11(a) to FIG. 11(d) are schematicrather than restrictive. In addition, the cases that the PRSs areclassified into two groups or four groups are similar, and details arenot repeated herein.

For embodiments in which the one or more REs on the same subcarrieroccupied by PRSs are assigned to different groups and the one or moreREs on the same OFDM symbol occupied by PRSs are assigned to differentgroups, a time domain position and a frequency domain position of eachRE are determined according to the following equations (5) to (21) inthe present disclosure. Similarly, the position of the RE occupied bythe PRS is indicated by coordinates (l, k). In which, l indicates acoordinate of the time domain position of the RE, and k indicates acoordinate of the frequency domain position of the RE. That is, the REoccupied by the PRS is located on the l-th OFDM symbol in the timedomain, and is located on the k-th subcarrier in the frequency domain.In which, l=[0, 13],

$k = {\lbrack {{12{floor}\mspace{11mu}( \frac{N_{BWP}^{size} - N_{RB}^{new}}{2} )},{{12\mspace{11mu}( {N_{RB}^{new} + {{floor}{\;\;}( \frac{N_{BWP}^{size} - N_{RB}^{new}}{2} )}} )} - 1}} \rbrack.}$

In a case that the PRSs are classified into two groups,

$\begin{matrix}{k = {{12\mspace{11mu}( {m + {{floor}\mspace{11mu}( \frac{N_{BWP}^{size} - N_{RB}^{new}}{2} )}} )} + {( {16 - l + v_{shift}} )\mspace{11mu}{mod}\; 6} + {6n} + {6( {1 - {2n}} )( {l\mspace{14mu}{mod}\mspace{14mu} 2} )}}} & (5) \\{l = \{ \begin{matrix}{6,7,9,10,12,13} & {{\Delta\; f} = {15(30)\;{kHz}}} \\{5,6,8,9,10,12,13} & {{\Delta\; f} = {60{kHz}}} \\{5,6,7,8,9,10,12,13} & {{\Delta\; f} = {120{kHz}}} \\{5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13} & {{\Delta\; f} = {240(480){kHz}}}\end{matrix} } & (6) \\{{m - 0},1,\ldots\mspace{14mu},{N_{RB}^{new} - 1}} & (7) \\{v_{shift} = {N_{ID}^{cell}\mspace{14mu}{mod}\mspace{11mu} 6}} & (8) \\{{n = 0},1.} & (9)\end{matrix}$

In which, N_(BWP) ^(size) indicates a bandwidth for transmittingdownlink data, and is specifically a ratio of the bandwidth fortransmitting downlink data and the bandwidth occupied by one RB; N_(RB)^(new) indicates the bandwidth for transmitting PRS, and is specificallya ratio of the bandwidth for transmitting PRS and the bandwidth occupiedby one RB; and N_(ID) ^(cell) indicates physical layer identification ofa cell where a user equipment to be positioned is located. In addition,N_(RB) ^(new)≤N_(BWP) ^(size), n indicates a serial number of the group,Δf indicates the subcarrier interval, and floor ( ) indicates roundingdown.

That is, for the case that the PRSs are classified into two groups, thetime domain position of the RE of a certain group may be determinedaccording to the subcarrier interval, and the frequency domain positionof the RE of the group is determined according to the time domainposition of the RE and the serial number of the group. Further, thefrequency domain position of the RE of the group may be determinedaccording to at least one of the following parameters: physical layercell identification of a cell where a user equipment to be positioned islocated; a bandwidth for transmitting PRS; and a bandwidth fortransmitting downlink data.

In a case that the PRSs are classified into three groups,

$\begin{matrix}{k = {k_{0} + \overset{\_}{k}}} & (10) \\{k_{0} = {{12\mspace{11mu}( {m + {{floor}\mspace{11mu}( \frac{N_{BWP}^{size}}{2} )}} )} + {( {16 - l + v_{shift}} )\mspace{11mu}{mod}\mspace{11mu} 6}}} & (11) \\{k = \{ \begin{matrix}6 & ( {{n = {{0} = 5}},9,13} ) \\\; & {( {{n = {{1} = 6}},10,11} } \\\; & {( {{n = {{2} = 7}},8,12} )} \\0 & \end{matrix} } & (12) \\{l = \{ \begin{matrix}{7,9,12,13} & {n = {{0\Delta\; f} = {15(30){kHz}}}} \\{6,9,10,13} & {n = {{1\Delta\; f} = {15(30){kHz}}}} \\{6,7,10,12} & {{\Delta\; f} = {15(30){kHz}}} \\{5,8,9,12,13} & {n = {{0\Delta\; f} = {60{kHz}}}} \\{5,6,9,10,13} & {n = {{1\Delta\; f} = {60(120){kHz}}}} \\{6,8,10,12} & {n = {{2\Delta\; f} = {60{kHz}}}} \\{5,7,8,9,12,13} & {n = {{0\Delta\; f} = {120( {210,180} ){kHz}}}} \\{6,7,8,10,12} & {n = {{2\Delta\; f} = {120{kHz}}}} \\{5,6,9,10,11,13} & {n = {{1\Delta\; f} = {240(480){kHz}}}} \\{6,7,8,10,11,12} & {n = {{2\Delta\; f} = {240(480){kHz}}}}\end{matrix} } & (13) \\{{m = 0},1,\ldots\mspace{14mu},{N_{RB}^{new} - 1}} & (14) \\{v_{shift} = {N_{ID}^{cell}\mspace{14mu}{mod}\mspace{11mu} 6}} & (15) \\{{n = 0},1,2.} & (16)\end{matrix}$

In which, N_(BWP) ^(size) indicates the bandwidth for transmittingdownlink data, and is specifically a ratio of the bandwidth fortransmitting downlink data and the bandwidth occupied by one RB; N_(RB)^(new) indicates the bandwidth for transmitting PRS, and is specificallya ratio of the bandwidth for transmitting the PRS and the bandwidthoccupied by one RB; and N_(ID) ^(cell) indicates physical layer cellidentification of a cell where a user equipment to be positioned islocated. In addition, N_(RB) ^(new)≤N_(BWP) ^(size), n indicates aserial number of the group, Δf indicates the subcarrier interval, andfloor ( ) indicates rounding down.

That is, for the case that the PRSs are classified into three groups,the time domain position of the RE of the group may be determinedaccording to the subcarrier interval and the serial number of the group,and the frequency domain position of the RE of the group is determinedaccording to the time domain position of the RE and the serial number ofthe group. Further, the frequency domain position of the RE of the groupmay be determined according to at least one of the following parameters:physical layer cell identification of a cell where a user equipment tobe positioned is located; a bandwidth for transmitting PRS; and abandwidth for transmitting downlink data.

In a case that the PRSs are classified into four groups,

$\begin{matrix}{k = {{12( {m + {{floor}{\;\mspace{11mu}}( \frac{N_{BWP}^{size} - N_{RB}^{new}}{2} )}} )} + {( {16 - l + v_{shift}} )\mspace{11mu}{mod}\mspace{11mu} 6} + {6( {( {n + 1} )\mspace{11mu}{mod}\mspace{11mu} 2} )}}} & (17) \\{l = \{ \begin{matrix}{7,9,13} & {n = {{0(1)\Delta\; f} = {15(30){kHz}}}} \\{6,10,12} & {n = {{2(3)\Delta\; f} = {15(30){kHz}}}} \\{5,9,13} & {n = {{0(1)\Delta\; f} = {60{kHz}}}} \\{6,8,10,12} & {n = {{2(3)\Delta\; f} = {60( {120,240,480} ){kHz}}}} \\{5,7,9,13} & {n = {{0(1)\Delta\; f} = {120{kHz}}}} \\{5,7,9,11,13} & {n = {{0(1)\Delta\; f} = {240(480){kHz}}}}\end{matrix} } & (18) \\{{m = 0},1,\ldots\mspace{14mu},{N_{RB}^{new} - 1}} & (19) \\{v_{shift} = {N_{ID}^{cell}\mspace{14mu}{mod}\mspace{11mu} 6}} & (20)\end{matrix}$

In which, indicates the bandwidth for transmitting downlink data, and isspecifically a ratio of the bandwidth for transmitting downlink data andthe bandwidth occupied by one RB; indicates the bandwidth fortransmitting PRS, and is specifically a ratio of the bandwidth fortransmitting the PRS and the bandwidth occupied by one RB; and indicatesphysical layer cell identification of a cell where a user equipment tobe positioned is located. In addition, N_(RB) ^(new)≤N_(BWP) ^(size), nindicates a serial number of the group, Δf indicates the subcarrierinterval, and floor ( ) indicates rounding down.

That is, for the case that the PRSs are classified into four groups, thetime domain position of the RE of the group may be determined accordingto the subcarrier interval and the serial number of the group, and thefrequency domain position of the RE of the group is determined accordingto the time domain position of the RE and the serial number of thegroup. Further, the frequency domain position of the RE of the group maybe determined according to at least one of the following parameters:physical layer cell identification of a cell where a user equipment tobe positioned is located; a bandwidth for transmitting the PRS; and abandwidth for transmitting downlink data.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the designed PRSs are classified, to assign to differentnetwork side devices for positioning a user equipment. In this way,multiple network side devices cooperate to position the user equipment,thereby saving positioning time. In addition, the classified PRSs can beused for beamforming and positioning based on a beam angle, so that thepositioning is more accurate. In this way, the PRSs can be designed morereasonably for the NR communication system, thereby optimizingpositioning of the user equipment.

<2.3 Correct Positions of PRSs>

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, in order todiversify and rationalize the design of PRSs, the position of the PRSmay be corrected after the PRSs are classified.

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a method for classifying PRSs andcorrecting positions of PRSs according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 12, in step S250 before step S240, theposition of the classified PRS is corrected. Subsequently, in step S240,PRSs of multiple groups are assigned to multiple network side devices,respectively. Here, the PRSs assigned to multiple network side devicesmay be PRSs subjected to position correcting.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, step S250 mayinclude: setting an offset parameter to correct the position of the PRS.Specifically, the offset parameter may be used to shift the frequencydomain position of the RE occupied by the PRS, that is, shifting thefrequency position of the RE of a certain group by subcarriers of whichthe number is equal to an offset parameter for the group. Therefore, thecorrecting or shifting of the position of the PRS may also be referredto as frequency shift of the position of the PRS.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the offsetparameter may include: offset parameters based on a group and/or offsetparameters based on a user equipment. Here, it is assumed that V_(shift)^(n) indicates the offset parameter, V_(gshift) ^(n) indicates theoffset parameter based on the group, and V_(UEshift) ^(n) indicates theoffset parameter based on the user equipment. The following equations(22) to (24) can be obtained:

$\begin{matrix}{V_{shift}^{n} = V_{gshift}^{n}} & (22) \\{V_{shift}^{n} = V_{UEshift}^{n}} & (23) \\{V_{shift}^{n} = {V_{gshift}^{n} + {V_{UEshift}^{n}.}}} & (24)\end{matrix}$

As shown in equation (22), the offset parameter includes the offsetparameter based on the group. As shown in equation (23), the offsetparameter includes the offset parameter based on the user equipment. Asshown in equation (24), the offset parameter includes the offsetparameter based on the group and the offset parameter based on the userequipment. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, afterthe frequency domain position k of the RE occupied by the PRS of eachgroup is determined as described above, a value of k may be corrected byV_(shift) ^(n), for example, adding value of V_(shift) ^(n) with thevalue of k.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the offsetparameter based on the group V_(gshift) ^(n) may be determined based ona serial number n of the group. That is, the position of the PRSsubjected to classifying may be corrected according to the serial numberof the group. For example, may be calculated according to the followingequation:

$\begin{matrix}{v_{gshift}^{n} = {\overset{\_}{p_{n}}.}} & (25)\end{matrix}$

In which, p_(n) is a function of the serial number n of the group,including but not limited to linear function, quadratic function,exponential function, power function. Types of the function are notlimited in the present disclosure

Further, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, when theoffset parameter based on the group is determined according to theserial number of the group, the REs of different groups may conflictafter being subjected to frequency domain position shifting. Therefore,the equation (25) may be corrected to obtain equation (26) as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{v_{gshift}^{n} = {\overset{\_}{p_{n}} + {p_{n\; 0}.}}} & (26)\end{matrix}$

In which, in a case that the REs of different groups conflict afterbeing subjected to the frequency domain position shifting based on thegroup, p_(n0)=n; in a case that the REs of different groups do notconflict after being subjected to the frequency domain positionshifting, p_(n0)=0. That is, in a case that the offset parameter basedon the group is determined according to the serial number of the groupand the REs of different groups conflict after being subjected to thefrequency domain position shifting, extra shifting p_(n0) may beperformed, to solve the conflict

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show schematic diagrams of configurations whenfrequency shifting based on a group is performed on a position of thePRS according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 13, the schematic diagram of configurations of the classifiedPRSs is shown by a left diagram. In which, the number of groups N is 4,that is, serial numbers of the groups n are 0, 1, 2 and 3. It is assumedthat p_(n) =n+1. That is, an offset parameter based on the group ofgroup 0 is v_(gshift) ⁰=1+p_(n0); an offset parameter based on the groupof group 1 is v_(gshift) ^(n)=2+p_(n0); an offset parameter based on thegroup of group 2 is v_(gshift) ²=3+p_(n0); and an offset parameter basedon the group of group 3 is v_(gshift) ³=4+p_(n0).

As shown by a right diagram of FIG. 13, after subjecting to thefrequency shifting based on the group, a frequency domain position ofthe RE occupied by the PRS of the group 0 shifts upward by onesubcarrier, a frequency domain position of the RE occupied by the PRS ofthe group 1 shifts upward by two subcarriers, a frequency domainposition of the RE occupied by the PRS of the group 2 shifts upward bythree subcarriers, and a frequency domain position of the RE occupied bythe PRS of the group 3 shifts upward by four subcarriers. In the exampleshown in FIG. 13, the positions of the REs do not conflict, and thusP_(n0) of each group is 0.

In FIG. 14, the schematic diagram of configurations of the classifiedPRSs is shown by a left diagram. In which, the number of groups N is 4,that is, serial numbers of the groups n are 0, 1, 2 and 3. It is assumedthat p_(n) =2n. That is, an offset parameter based on the group of group0 is v_(gshift) ⁰=0+p_(n0); an offset parameter based on the group ofgroup 1 is v_(gshift) ^(n)=2+p_(n0); an offset parameter based on thegroup of group 2 is v_(gshift) ²=4+p_(n0); and an offset parameter basedon the group of group 3 is v_(gshift) ³=6+p_(n0).

As shown by a right diagram of FIG. 14, after subjecting to thefrequency shifting based on the group, a frequency domain position ofthe RE occupied by the PRS of the group 0 does not shift, a frequencydomain position of the RE occupied by the PRS of the group 1 shiftsupward by two subcarriers, a frequency domain position of the REoccupied by the PRS of the group 2 shifts upward by four subcarriers,and a frequency domain position of the RE occupied by the PRS of thegroup 3 shifts upward by six subcarriers. In the example shown in FIG.14, the positions of the REs do not conflict, and thus P_(n0) of eachgroup is 0.

The offset parameter V_(gshift) ^(n) based on the group is described indetail above, and the offset parameter V_(UEshift) ^(n) based on theuser equipment is described in detail below.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, an offsetparameter V_(UEshift) ^(n) based on the user equipment assigned to acertain network side device may be determined according to at least oneof the following parameters: link quality between the network sidedevice and the user equipment; and identification of the user equipment.Here, the link quality between the network side device and the userequipment may include link quality on each subcarrier of the RB betweenthe network side device and the user equipment. That is, the position ofthe classified PRS may be corrected according to the link qualitybetween the network side device and the user equipment and/or theidentification of the user equipment. The following equations may beobtained:

$\begin{matrix}{v_{UEshift}^{n} = p_{{UE}_{n}}} & (27) \\{v_{UEshift}^{n} = p_{RNTI}} & (28) \\{v_{UEshift}^{n} = {p_{{UE}_{n}} + p_{RNTI}}} & (29)\end{matrix}$

In which, indicates an offset parameter related to the link qualitybetween the network side device and the user equipment, and p_(RNTI)indicates an offset parameter related to the identification of the userequipment

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, after theshifting based on the user equipment is performed, REs of differentgroups may conflict. Therefore, extra shifting P_(n0) may be performedto solve the conflict. Similarly, in a case that REs of different groupsconflict after being subjected to the frequency domain position shiftingbased on the user equipment, P_(n0)=n; in a case that REs of differentgroups do not conflict after being subjected to the frequency domainposition shifting based on the user equipment, P_(n0)=0. That is, anextra offset parameter P_(n0) may be added to the equations (27) to(29), to obtain the following equations (30) to (32):

$\begin{matrix}{v_{UEshift}^{n} = {p_{{UE}_{n}} + P_{n\; 0}}} & (30) \\{v_{UEshift}^{n} = {p_{RNTI} + P_{n\; 0}}} & (31) \\{v_{UEshift}^{n} = {p_{{UE}_{n}} + p_{RNTI} + {P_{n\; 0}.}}} & (32)\end{matrix}$

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown byequations (28) and (31), the offset parameter based on the userequipment may be determined according to the identification of the userequipment, including but not limited to RNTI (Radio Network TemporaryIdentity). For example, may be a function of the identification of theuser equipment, and types of the function are not limited in the presentdisclosure. Here, the identification of the user equipment is irrelevantto the group, and thus the offset parameters based on the user equipmentare the same for different groups.

FIG. 15 shows a schematic diagram of configurations when frequencyshifting based on UE is performed on a position of the PRS according toan embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, in FIG. 15, the schematicdiagram of configurations of the classified PRSs is shown by a leftdiagram. In which, the number of groups N is 4. That is, serial numbersof the groups n are 0, 1, 2 and 3. It is assumed that the offsetparameter based on the user equipment is determined based on theidentification of the user equipment and p_(RNTI)=4. Therefore,v_(UEshift) ⁰=v_(UEshift) ¹=v_(UEshift) ²=v_(UEshift) ²=4. As shown by aright diagram of FIG. 15, after subjecting to the shifting based on theuser equipment, the frequency domain position of the RE occupied by thePRS of each of the groups 0, 1, 2 and 3 shifts upward by foursubcarriers. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the positions of the REsdo not conflict, and thus Po of each group is 0.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown byequations (27) to (30), the offset parameter of the user equipment maybe determined according to link quality of each subcarrier between thenetwork side device and the user equipment. Further, the RE occupied bythe PRS may be shifted to a subcarrier with better link quality.

FIG. 16 shows a schematic diagram of configurations when frequencyshifting based on UE is performed on the position of the PRS accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, in FIG. 16, theschematic diagram of configurations of the classified PRS is shown by aleft diagram. In which, the number of groups N is 4, that is, serialnumbers of the groups n are 0, 1, 2 and 3. It is assumed that the offsetparameter based on the user equipment is determined based on the linkquality of each subcarrier between the network side device and the userequipment. Further, it is assumed that link quality between differentnetwork side devices and the user equipment is similar, and link qualityof subcarriers 6-11 is better than link quality of subcarriers 0-5. Thatis, for links between all network side devices and the user equipment,link quality of subcarriers 6-11 is better than link quality ofsubcarriers 0-5. As shown by a right diagram of FIG. 16, aftersubjecting to the shifting based on the user equipment, the RE occupiedby the PRS of each of the groups 0, 1, 2 and 3 shifts to subcarriers6-11. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the positions of the REs do notconflict, and thus Po of each group is 0.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown byequations (29) and (32), the offset parameter based on the userequipment may be determined according to the link quality between thenetwork side device and the user equipment and the identification of theuser equipment. That is, shifting may be performed based on theidentification of the user equipment, and then the RE occupied by thePRS is shifted to a subcarrier with better link quality.

FIG. 17 shows a schematic diagram of configurations when frequencyshifting based on UE is performed on a position of the PRS according toan embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 17, theschematic diagram of configurations of the classified PRS is shown by aleft diagram. In which, the number of groups N is 4, that is, serialnumbers of the groups are 0, 1, 2 and 3. It is assumed that link qualitybetween different network side devices and the user equipment issimilar, link quality of subcarriers 6-11 is better than link quality ofsubcarriers 0-5, and p_(RNTI)=4. As shown by a right diagram of FIG. 17,based on FIG. 15, the RE occupied by the PRS of each group is shifted tosubcarriers 6-11. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the positions of theREs do not conflict, and Po of each group is 0.

The offset parameter based on the group V_(gshift) ^(n) and the offsetparameter based on the user equipment V_(UEshift) ^(n) are described indetail above. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, theoffset parameter based on the group and the offset parameter based onthe user equipment may be used in combination to correct the position ofthe PRS, and details are not repeated in the present disclosure.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the frequency domain position of the classified PRS may beshifted by using the offset parameter. The offset parameter may includethe offset parameter based on the group and the offset parameter basedon the user equipment. The offset parameter based on the group isrelated to the serial number of the group, the offset parameter based onthe user equipment is irrelevant to the serial number of the group, andis related to information of the user equipment, for exampleidentification of the user equipment, and/or link quality of eachsubcarrier between the network side device and the user equipment. Thatis, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the positionof the PRS assigned to the network side device may be correctedaccording to at least one of the following parameters: link qualitybetween the network side device and the user equipment; identificationof the user equipment; and the serial number of the group. In this way,the design of the PRS can be enriched and diversified. In addition, thePRSs are designed in consideration of information related to the userequipment and the group, so that the PRSs are designed more reasonably.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the PRS for the NR communication system may be designedaccording to different subcarriers. Further, the PRSs may be classifiedinto multiple groups to allocate to multiple network side devices forpositioning the user equipment. In addition, in order to rationalize anddiversify the design of the PRSs, the position of the PRS may becorrected. In this way, the PRSs can be designed more reasonably for theNR communication system, thereby optimizing the positioning of the userequipment.

<3. Examples of Configurations of a Network Side Device>

FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of an example of configurations of anelectronic device 1800 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The electronic device 1800 here may function as a networkside device in a wireless communication system, for example, functioningas a base station device or TRP in a wireless communication system suchas an NR wireless communication system.

As shown in FIG. 18, the electronic device 1800 may include acommunication unit 1810 and a calculation unit 1820.

Here, units of the electronic device 1800 may be included in processingcircuitry. It should be noted that, the electronic device 1800 mayinclude one or more processing circuitry. Further, the processingcircuit may include various discrete functional units to perform variousdifferent functions and/or operations. It should be noted that, thefunctional units may be physical entities or logical entities, and unitswith different names may be implemented by the same physical entity.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the communicationunit 1810 may acquire a serial number of the electronic device 1800among a group composed of electronic devices for positioning a userequipment. As described above, the electronic devices for positioningthe user equipment each may be network side devices, and the groupincludes multiple network side devices. The serial number may be n,n=[0, N−1], where N indicates the number of electronic devices includedin the group.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the calculationunit 1820 may determine a time frequency position of a PRS of theelectronic device 1800 according to the serial number of the electronicdevice 1800 in the group.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the electronic device 1800 may determine the time frequencyposition of the PRS of the electronic device 1800 according to theserial number of the electronic device 1800 among the group composed ofelectronic devices for positioning the user equipment, so that theelectronic devices in the group can cooperate to position the userequipment, thereby saving positioning time.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioningserver or an electronic device providing service for the user equipmentdetermines the group composed of electronic devices for positioning theuser equipment and a serial number of each electronic device in thegroup. The positioning server includes but not limited to E-SMLC(Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center).

That is, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, thecommunication unit 1810 may receive the serial number of the electronicdevice 1800 and other information of the group from the positioningserver. In addition, other electronic device in the group may alsoreceive a serial number of other electronic device in the group andother information of the group from the positioning server.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case thatthe electronic device 1800 is not a network side device providingservice for the user equipment, the electronic device 1800 may receivethe serial number of the electronic device 1800 in the group and otherinformation of the group from other electronic device in the group, thatis, a network side device providing service for the user equipment. Inaddition, an electronic device in the group other than the electronicdevice 1800 and the network side device providing service for the userequipment, may receive a serial of the electronic device in the groupand other information of the group from the network side deviceproviding service for the user equipment.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case thatthe electronic device 1800 is a network side device providing servicefor the user equipment, the electronic device 1800 may determine thegroup of electronic devices for positioning the user equipment and aserial number of each electronic device in the group.

As shown in FIG. 18, the electronic device 1800 may include adetermination unit 1830 configured to determine the group of electronicdevices for positioning the user equipment and a serial number of eachelectronic device in the group.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the determinationunit 1830 may determine the group composed of electronic devices forpositioning the user equipment from multiple network side devices. Here,multiple network side devices may be located in a certain range aroundthe user equipment. The determination unit 1830 may select network sidedevices from the multiple network side devices to form the group.Generally, since the electronic device 1800 is a network side deviceproviding service for the user equipment, the group includes theelectronic device 1800.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the determinationunit 1830 may select network side devices to form the group from themultiple network side devices according to at least one of the followingparameters: link quality between each of the multiple network sidedevices and the user equipment; a position of each network side device;a coverage of each network side device; and antenna array information ofeach network side device.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, each network sidedevice may report its position, coverage and antenna array informationto the electronic device 1800, and thus the electronic device 1800obtains the information. Further, the user equipment may transmit areference signal to multiple network side devices around the userequipment, and each network side device measures a signal-to-noise ratioor power of a reception signal via the reference signal, to determinelink quality between each network side device and the user equipment.Further, each network side device may report the measured link qualityto the electronic device 1800. According to the embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the electronic device 1800 may select some networkside devices with good link quality from the multiple network sidedevices, to form the group. The network side devices in the group may bedetermined in consideration of one or more of the above parameters.

Further, after the determination unit 1830 determines the group composedof network side devices for positioning the user equipment, the networkside devices in the group may be numbered according to a certain rule,for example, numbers 0, 1, . . . , N−1. It follows that, a serial numberof the electronic device 1800 and a serial number of other electronicdevice in the group may be determined.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case thatthe positioning server determines the group composed of network sidedevices for positioning the user equipment, a manner similar to theabove embodiment may be adopted, and details are not repeated here.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, each network sidedevice in the group needs to know a time frequency position of PRS forthe network side device, and the user equipment needs to know timefrequency positions of PRS of all network side devices in the group. Inorder to achieve the above object, according to the embodiment of thepresent disclosure, for a network side device, each network side devicein the group may calculate a time frequency position of a PRS for thenetwork side device according to a serial number of the network sidedevice in the group, or a network side providing service for the userequipment calculates a time frequency position of a PRS for each networkside deice in the group. For a user equipment, the user equipment maycalculate a time frequency position of a PRS for each network sidedevice according to a serial number of each network side device in thegroup, may acquire the time frequency position of the PRS for eachnetwork side device from each network side device, or may acquire thetime frequency position of the PRS of each network side device in thegroup from the network side device providing service for the userequipment.

That is, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, in acase that the electronic device 1800 is a network side device providingservice for the user equipment, the electronic device 1800 may transmita serial number of other electronic device in the group to otherelectronic device via the communication unit 1810, so that otherelectronic device determines a time frequency position of a PRS forother electronic device according to the serial number of otherelectronic device in the group. That is, each network side devicecalculates a time frequency position of a PRS for the network sidedevice, respectively. Since the electronic device 1800 only needs totransmit the serial number of other electronic device to otherelectronic device, thereby saving signaling overhead.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case thatthe electronic device 1800 is a network side device providing servicefor the user equipment, the calculation unit 1820 may determine the timefrequency position of the PRS for other electronic device according tothe serial number of other electronic device in the group, and thecommunication unit 1810 may transmit the time frequency position of thePRS for other electronic device to other electronic device. That is, theelectronic device 1800 may calculate the time frequency position of PRSof all network side devices in the group, thereby reducing calculationload of other network side devices.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case thatthe electronic device 1800 is a network side device providing servicefor the user equipment, the communication unit 1810 transmits the serialnumber of the electronic device 1800 in the group and the serial numberof other electronic device in the group to the user equipment, so thatthe user equipment determines the time frequency position of the PRS foreach electronic device in the group. That is, the user equipment maycalculate the time frequency position of the PRS for each network sidedevice in the group. Since the electronic device 1800 only needs totransmit the serial numbers of all network side devices to the userequipment, thereby saving signaling overhead.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the communicationunit 1810 may transmit the time frequency position of the PRS for theelectronic device 1800 to the user equipment. Here, an electronic deviceother than the electronic device 1800 in the group may transmit the timefrequency position of the PRS for other electronic device to the userequipment. Optionally, if the electronic device 1800 calculates the timefrequency position of the PRS of other electronic device, the electronicdevice 1800 transmits the time frequency position of the PRS of allnetwork side devices in the group to the user equipment.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, after thepositioning server or the network side device providing service for theuser equipment determines the group and the serial number of the networkside device in the group, group parameters may be transmitted to relateddevices, so that the related devices calculate the time frequencyposition of the corresponding PRS. The related devices may include thenetwork side device providing service for the user equipment, a networkside device other than the network side device providing service for theuser equipment in the group, and the user equipment. Here, thetransmission may be performed by broadcast or unicast. The groupparameters may include identification information of all network sidedevices included in the group, a serial number of each network sidedevice, and so on.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, after thepositioning server or the network side device providing service for theuser equipment determines the group and the serial number of the networkside device in the group, offset parameters may be transmitted to theabove related devices, so that the related devices calculate the timefrequency position of corresponding PRS. Similarly, the transmission maybe performed by broadcast or unicast. Here, the offset parameter mayinclude the offset parameter based on the group and the offset parameterbased on the user equipment, for example.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, after thepositioning server or the network side device providing service for theuser equipment determines the group and the serial number of the networkside device in the group, a positioning time slot configurationparameter may be transmitted to the related devices, so that the relateddevices perform configurations for positioning time slot. Similarly, thetransmission may be performed by broadcast or unicast. Here, thepositioning time slot configuration parameter may include: an initialtime slot for positioning, a positioning time slot duration, a beamscanning direction, and a beam scanning period and so on.

FIG. 19 to FIG. 24 show signaling flowcharts of determining a positionof a PRS of each network side device according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In FIG. 19 to FIG. 24, it is assumed that TRP1provides service for the UE, and the finally determined group forpositioning the UE includes TRP1 and TRP2. In addition, FIG. 19 to FIG.24 only show examples in which the UE initiates the positioning request.Actually, the positioning request may be initiated by MME (MobilityManagement Entity), and such example is not shown in the drawings in thepresent disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 19, in step S1901, the UE initiates the positioningrequest, and the request is transmitted to E-SMLC via the MME.Subsequently, in step S1902, the UE and the E-SMLC exchange positioningrequest parameters. Subsequently, in step S1903, the E-SMLC selects TRP1and TRP2 from multiple TRPs to form a TRP group for positioning the UE,and determines serial numbers of TRP1 and TRP2 in the group.Subsequently, in step S1904, the E-SMLC transmits the group parametersto TRP1, TRP2 and UE. Optionally, the E-SMLC may transmit the offsetparameter and/or the positioning time slot configuration parameter toTRP1, TRP2 and UE. As described above, the above information may betransmitted by broadcast or unicast. Subsequently, in step S1905, TRP1determines a time frequency position of a PRS for TRP1 according to theserial number of TRP1 in the group, TRP2 determines a time frequencyposition of a PRS for TRP2 according to the serial number of TRP2 in thegroup, the UE determines the time frequency position of the PRS for TRP1according to the serial number of TRP1 in the group and determines thetime frequency position of the PRS for TRP2 according to the serialnumber of TRP2 in the group. It follows that, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 19, the E-SMLC determines the group and the serial number in thegroup, each network side device in the group calculates the timefrequency position of the PRS for the network side device, and the userequipment calculates the time frequency position of the PRS of eachnetwork side device in a user group.

As shown by FIG. 20, in step S2001, the UE initiates the positioningrequest, and the positioning request is transmitted to E-SMLC via theMME. Subsequently, in step S2002, the UE and the E-SMLC exchangepositioning request parameters. Subsequently, in step S2003, the E-SMLCselects TRP1 and TRP2 from multiple TRPs to form a TRP group forpositioning the UE, and determines serial numbers of TRP1 and TRP2 inthe group. Subsequently, in step S2004, the E-SMLC transmits the groupparameters to TRP1 and TRP2. Optionally, the E-SMLC may transmit theoffset parameter and/or the positioning time slot configurationparameter to TRP1 and TRP2. As described above, the above informationmay be transmitted by broadcast or unicast. Subsequently, in step S2005,TRP1 determines a time frequency position of a PRS for TRP1 according tothe serial number of TRP1 in the group, TRP2 determines a time frequencyposition of a PRS for TRP2 according to the serial number of TRP2 in thegroup. Subsequently, in step S2006, TRP1 transmits the time frequencyposition of the PRS for TRP1 to the UE. Optionally, the group parametersand the positioning time slot configuration parameters may betransmitted. Subsequently, in step S2007, TRP2 transmits the timefrequency position of the PRS for TRP2. Optionally, the group parametersand the positioning time lost configuration parameter may betransmitted. Here, in step S2006 and step S2007, only one TRP of TRP1and TRP2 may transmit the group parameter and the positioning time lostconfiguration parameter to the UE. Preferably, for TRP1, the groupparameter and the positioning time slot configuration parameter may besent to the UE. It follows that, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, theE-SMLC determines the group and the serial number in the group, eachnetwork side device in the group calculates the time frequency positionof the PRS for the network side device, and each network side devicetransmits the time frequency position of the PRS of each network sidedevice to the user equipment.

As shown by FIG. 21, in step S2101, the UE initiates the positioningrequest, and the positioning request is transmitted to E-SMLC via theMME. Subsequently, in step S2102, the UE and the E-SMLC exchangepositioning request parameters. Subsequently, in step S2103, the E-SMLCselects TRP1 and TRP2 from multiple TRPs to form a TRP group forpositioning the UE, and determines serial numbers of TRP1 and TRP2 inthe group. Subsequently, in step S2104, the E-SMLC transmits the groupparameters to TRP1. Optionally, the E-SMLC may transmit the offsetparameter and/or the positioning time slot configuration parameter toTRP1. Subsequently, in step S2105, TRP1 determines a time frequencyposition of a PRS for TRP1 according to the serial number of TRP1 in thegroup, and determines a time frequency position of a PRS for TRP2according to the serial number of TRP2 in the group. Subsequently, instep S2106, TRP1 transmits the time frequency position of the PRS forTRP1 and the time frequency position of the PRS for TRP2 to the UE.

Optionally, the group parameters and the positioning time slotconfiguration parameters may be transmitted. Subsequently, in stepS2107, TRP1 transmits the time frequency position of the PRS for TRP2 toTRP2. Optionally, the group parameters and the positioning time lostconfiguration parameter may be transmitted. It follows that, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 21, the E-SMLC determines the group and theserial number in the group, the network side device providing servicefor the user equipment calculates the time frequency position of the PRSfor each network side device in the group, transmits the time frequencyposition of the PRS of each network side device, and transmits the timefrequency position of the PRS of other network side device to othernetwork side device.

As shown by FIG. 22, in step S2201, the UE initiates the positioningrequest, and the positioning request is transmitted to E-SMLC via theMME. Subsequently, in step S2202, the UE, the TRP1 and the E-SMLCexchange positioning request parameters. Subsequently, in step S2203,the TRP1 selects TRP1 and TRP2 from multiple TRPs to form a TRP groupfor positioning the UE, and determines serial numbers of TRP1 and TRP2in the group. Subsequently, in step S2204, the TRP1 transmits the groupparameters to TRP2 and UE. Optionally, the TRP1 may transmit the offsetparameter and/or the positioning time slot configuration parameter toTRP2 and UE. As described above, the information may be transmitted bybroadcast or unicast. Subsequently, in step S2205, TRP1 determines atime frequency position of a PRS for TRP1 according to the serial numberof TRP1 in the group, TRP2 determines a time frequency position of a PRSfor TRP2 according to the serial number of TRP2 in the group, and the UEdetermines the time frequency position of the PRS for TRP1 according tothe serial number of TRP1 in the group and determines the time frequencyposition of the PRS for TRP2 according to the serial number of TRP2 inthe group. It follows that, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, thenetwork side device providing service for the user equipment determinesthe group and the serial number in the group, each network side devicein the group calculates the time frequency position of the PRS for thenetwork side device, and the user equipment calculates the timefrequency position of the PRS of each network side device in the group.

As shown by FIG. 23, in step S2301, the UE initiates the positioningrequest, and the positioning request is transmitted to E-SMLC via theMME. Subsequently, in step S2302, the UE, the TRP1 and the E-SMLCexchange positioning request parameters. Subsequently, in step S2303,the TRP1 selects TRP1 and TRP2 from multiple TRPs to form a TRP groupfor positioning the UE, and determines serial numbers of TRP1 and TRP2in the group. Subsequently, in step S2304, the TRP1 transmits the groupparameters to TRP2. Optionally, the TRP1 may transmit the offsetparameter and/or the positioning time slot configuration parameter toTRP2. Subsequently, in step S2305, TRP1 determines a time frequencyposition of a PRS for TRP1 according to the serial number of TRP1 in thegroup, and TRP2 determines a time frequency position of a PRS for TRP2according to the serial number of TRP2 in the group. Subsequently, instep S2306, the TRP1 transmits the time frequency position of the PRSfor TRP1 to the UE. Optionally, the group parameters and the positioningtime slot configuration parameters may be transmitted. Subsequently, instep S2307, TRP2 transmits the time frequency positions of the PRS forTRP2 to the UE. Optionally, the group parameters and the positioningtime slot configuration parameter may be transmitted. Here, in stepS2306 and step S2307, only one TRP of TRP1 and TRP2 transmits the groupparameter and the positioning time slot configuration parameter to theUE. Preferably, for TRP1, the group parameters and the positioning timeslot configuration parameter are sent to the UE. It follows that, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 23, the network side device providing servicefor the user equipment determines the group and the serial number in thegroup, each network side device in the group calculates the timefrequency position of the PRS for the network side device, and eachnetwork side device transmits the time frequency position of the PRS ofthe network side device to the user equipment.

As shown by FIG. 24, in step S2401, the UE initiates the positioningrequest, and the positioning request is transmitted to E-SMLC via theMME. Subsequently, in step S2402, the UE, the TRP1 and the E-SMLCexchange positioning request parameters. Subsequently, in step S2403,the TRP1 selects TRP1 and TRP2 from multiple TRPs to form a TRP groupfor positioning the UE, and determines serial numbers of TRP1 and TRP2in the group. Subsequently, in step S2404, the TRP1 determines the timefrequency position of the PRS for TRP1 according to the serial number ofthe TRP1 in the group, and determines the time frequency position of thePRS for TRP2 according to the serial number of TRP2 in the group.Subsequently, in step S2405, TRP1 transmits a time frequency position ofa PRS for TRP1 and a time frequency position of a PRS for TRP2 to theUE. Optionally, the group parameters and the positioning time lostconfiguration parameter may be transmitted. Subsequently, in step S2406,the TRP1 transmits the time frequency position of the PRS for TRP2 toTRP2. Optionally, the group parameters and the positioning time slotconfiguration parameters may be transmitted. It follows that, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 24, the network side device providing servicefor the user equipment determines the group and the serial number in thegroup, the network side device providing service for the user equipmentcalculates the time frequency position of the PRS for each network sidedevice in the group, transmits the time frequency position of the PRSfor each network side device to the user equipment, and transmits thetime frequency position of the PRS for other network side device toother network side device.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the positioningserver or the network side device providing service for the userequipment may determine a beam scanning direction of each network sidedevice in the group. For example, different network side devices mayhave different beam scanning directions, that is, beam scanning planesof the network side devices intersect with each other. Practically, thenetwork side devices may have the same beam scanning direction, and thebeam scanning direction is not limited in the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 shows a schematic diagram of beam scanning directions of twonetwork side devices according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 25, the group includes two network sidedevices. A network side device at left have a horizontal beam scanningdirection, that is, a plane composed of scanning beams is parallel withthe ground. A network side device at right have a vertical beam scanningdirection, that is, a plane composed of scanning beams is vertical tothe ground.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the positioningserver or the network side device providing service for the userequipment may determine a beam scanning period of each network sidedevice in the group. For example, the positioning server or the networkside device providing service for the user equipment may determine thebeam scanning period according to the beam scanning direction of thenetwork side device. For example, with respect to a vertical direction,the position of the user equipment changes faster in a horizontaldirection. Therefore, a beam scanning period in the horizontal directionmay be set to be less than a beam scanning period in the verticaldirection.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the group composed of network side devices and the serialnumber of each network side device in the group may be determined by thenetwork side device providing service for the user equipment or thepositioning server. Further, the time frequency position of the PRS foreach network side device may be calculated by the network side deviceproviding service for the user equipment, a network side device otherthan the network side device providing service for the user equipment,or the user equipment. The calculation method is consistent fordifferent entities calculating the time frequency positions of the PRS.In the following, the calculation method is described in detail bytaking the electronic device 1800 as an example.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the calculationunit 1820 may determine the time frequency position of the PRS in the RBaccording to the subcarrier interval of the RB and the serial number ofthe electronic device 1800 in the group. Here, the time frequencyposition of the PRS includes a time domain position and a frequencydomain position of each of multiple REs occupied by the PRS.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the calculationunit 1820 may determine the time domain position of the PRS according tothe subcarrier interval. Further, the calculation unit 1820 maydetermine the time domain position of the PRS according to thesubcarrier interval and the serial number of the electronic device 1800in the group. Further, according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the calculation unit 1820 may determine the frequency domainposition of the PRS according to the time domain position of the PRS andthe serial number of the electronic device in the group.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the calculationunit 1820 may determine the time domain position of the PRS, so that thePRS does not overlap with each of PDCCH, DMRS and CSI-RS in a timedomain.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the calculationunit 1820 may determine the time frequency position of the PRS, so thatmultiple REs occupied by the PRS are located on different OFDM symbols;and/or multiple REs occupied by the PRS are located on differentsubcarriers.

As shown in FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 9(c), the multiple REs occupied by the PRSmay be located on different OFDM symbols. That is, multiple REs occupiedby the PRS are orthogonal in the time domain, and two or more REs may belocated on the same subcarrier among the multiple REs.

As shown in FIG. 10(a) to FIG. 10(d), multiple REs occupied by the PRSmay be located on different subcarriers. That is, multiple REs occupiedby the PRS are orthogonal in the frequency domain, and two or more REsare located on the same OFDM symbol among the multiple REs.

As shown in FIG. 11(a) to FIG. 11(d), the multiple REs occupied by PRSmay be located on different OFDM symbols and located on differentsubcarriers. That is, multiple REs occupied by the PRS are orthogonal inthe time domain and the frequency domain. In this case, the calculationunit 1820 may calculate the time domain position and the frequencydomain position of multiple REs occupied by the PRS according to theequations (5) to (21) described above.

That is, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, thecalculation unit 1820 may determine the time frequency position of thePRS according to at least one of the following parameters: physicallayer cell identification of a cell where a user equipment is located; abandwidth for transmitting the PRS; and a bandwidth for transmittingdownlink data and the number of electronic devices in the group.

In addition, as described above, a time frequency position of thecorrected PRS may be determined according to the offset parameter. Theoffset parameter may include an offset parameter based on a userequipment and an offset parameter based on a group, for example.

The calculation unit 1820 may determine the offset parameter based onthe group according to a serial number of the electronic device 1800 inthe group. Further, the calculation unit 1820 may determine the offsetparameter based on the user equipment according to link quality of eachsubcarrier between the electronic device 1800 and the user equipmentand/or identification of the user equipment. That is, the calculationunit 1820 may determine the corrected time frequency position of the PRSaccording to at least one of the following parameters: the serial numberof the electronic device 1800 in the group, link quality of eachsubcarrier between the electronic device 1800 and the user equipment;and identification of the user equipment.

In this case, the calculation unit 1820 calculates time domain positionsand frequency domain positions of multiple REs occupied by the PRSaccording to equations (22) to (32) described above.

The embodiments of designing and classifying the PRSs descried above maybe applied to the above case, and details are not repeated here.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG.18, the electronic device 1800 may further include a scanning unit 1840configured to perform beam scanning on the user equipment by using thePRS for the electronic device 1800, so that the user equipment obtainsbeam emission angle information of the electronic device 1800. Here, thescanning unit 1840 may perform the beam scanning process according tothe positioning time slot configuration parameter configured for theelectronic device 1800.

It follows that, with the electronic device 1800 according to theembodiment of the present disclosure, the time frequency position of thePRS of the electronic device 1800 can be determined according to theserial number of the electronic device among the group composed ofelectronic devices for positioning the user equipment, so that theelectronic device 1800 can cooperate with other electronic devices inthe group to position the user equipment, thereby saving positioningtime. Further, the classified PRS may be used to perform beamforming andpositioning based on the beam angle, thereby positioning moreaccurately. In this way, the PRSs can be designed more reasonably forthe NR communication system, thereby optimizing positioning of the userequipment.

<4. Examples of Configurations of the User Equipment>

FIG. 26 shows a block diagram of a structure of a user equipment 2600 ina wireless communication system according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. As shown in FIG. 26, the user equipment 2600 mayinclude a communication unit 2610 and an angle determination unit 2620.

Here, units of the user equipment 2600 may be included in processingcircuitry. It should be noted that, the user equipment 2600 may includeone or more processing circuitry.

Further, the processing circuitry may include various discretefunctional units to perform various different functions and/oroperations. It should be noted that, the functional units may bephysical entities or logical entities, and units with different namesmay be implemented by the same physical entity.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the communicationunit 2610 may receive PRSs from multiple network side devices. A timefrequency position of a PRS for each network side device is determinedaccording to a serial number of the network side device among a groupcomposed of multiple network side devices.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the angledetermination unit 2620 may determine beam emission angle information ofeach network side device according to the PRS received from each networkside device. For example, the angle determination unit 2620 may measurethe PRS transmitted by the network side device on corresponding REaccording to the time frequency position of the PRS of the network sidedevice, thereby obtaining the beam emission angle information of thenetwork side device.

It follows that, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure,the user equipment 2600 may determine the beam emission angleinformation of each network side device according to the PRS receivedfrom multiple network side devices, and such beam emission angleinformation may be used to position the user equipment 2600. In thisway, positioning can be achieved based on the beam angle, so that thepositioning is more accurate.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG.26, the user equipment 2600 may include a positioning unit 2630configured to determine a position of the user equipment 2600 accordingto beam emission angle information of each network side device. That is,the user equipment 2600 may determine the position of the user equipment2600. Here, after obtaining the beam emission angle information of eachnetwork side device, the user equipment 2600 may calculate the positionof the user equipment 2600 according to any method well-known in theart, and the method is not limited in the present disclosure.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the communicationunit 2610 may transmit the beam emission angle information of eachnetwork side device to a positioning server, so that the positioningserver determines the position of the user equipment 2600. Thepositioning server includes but not limited to E-SMLC. That is, thepositioning server may determine the position of the user equipment2600. Similarly, after obtaining the beam emission angle information ofeach network side device, the positioning server may calculate theposition of the user equipment 2600 according to any method well-knownin the art, and the method is not limited in the present disclosure.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG.26, the user equipment 2600 may further include a calculation unit 2650configured to calculate a time frequency position of a PRS of eachnetwork side device.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the calculationunit 2650 may determine the time frequency position of the PRS of eachnetwork side device according to a serial number of each of multiplenetwork side devices in a group. Further, the communication unit 2610may receive the serial number of each network side device in the groupfrom a network side device providing service for the user equipment orthe positioning server. Specific calculation methods are described indetail above, and are not repeated here.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the communicationunit 2610 may receive the time frequency position of the PRS for each ofthe multiple network side devices from the network side device.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the communicationunit 2610 may receive the time frequency position of the PRS of eachnetwork side device in the group from the network side device providingservice for the user equipment 2600.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the user equipment 2600 may calculate the time frequencyposition of the PRS for each network side device, may receive the timefrequency position of the PRS for each network side device from thenetwork side device, or may receive the time frequency position of thePRS for each network side device in the group from the network sidedevice providing service for the user equipment 2600.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG.26, the user equipment 2600 may further include a scanning unit 2640configured to perform beam scanning on multiple network side devices, sothat the network side device obtains the beam emission angle informationof the user equipment. Here, the beam emission angle information of theuser equipment may include beam emission angle information of the userequipment for each network side device. Further, the beam emission angleinformation of the user equipment for each network side device mayinclude beam emission angle information in multiple scanning directions.Further, the network side device may transmit the obtained beam emissionangle information of the user equipment to the user equipment 2600.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the positioningunit 2630 may determine the position of the user equipment 2600according to the beam emission angle information of each network sidedevice and the beam emission angle information of the user equipment.Optionally, the communication unit 2610 may transmit the beam emissionangle information of the user equipment transmitted from the networkside device to the positioning server, so that the positioning serverdetermines the position of the user equipment 2600 according to the beamemission angle information of each network side device and the beamemission angle information of the user equipment.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the userequipment 2600 or the positioning server may determine the position ofthe user equipment 2600 based on the beam emission angle information ofeach network side device and the beam emission angle information of theuser equipment, by using any method well-known in the art. Anon-limiting example is described below.

It is assumed that a beam scanning direction of TRP1 is a horizontaldirection, and a beam scanning direction of TRP2 is a verticaldirection. By the beam scanning process of TRP1 and TRP2, the UE mayobtain a beam emission angle α₁ of the TRP1 and a beam emission angle β₁of the TRP2. Further, by the beam scanning process of the UE, four beamemission angles of the UE may be obtained: a horizontal emission angleα₂ of the UE for the TRP1; a vertical emission angle β₂ of the UE forthe TRP1; a horizontal emission angle α₃ of the UE for the TRP2; and avertical emission angle β₃ of the UE for the TRP2. In which, the firsttwo beam emission angles of the UE are obtained and transmitted to theUE by the TRP1, and the last two beam emission angles of the UE areobtained and transmitted to the UE by the TRP2.

Subsequently, the UE or the positioning server may calculate theposition of the UE by using a triangulation method. First, two positioncoordinates p₁ and p₂ are calculated according to the followingequations:

$\begin{matrix}{\overset{arrow}{p_{1}} = {\begin{pmatrix}x \\y \\z\end{pmatrix} = {\begin{pmatrix}{{- \tan}\mspace{11mu}\alpha_{1}} & 1 & 0 \\1 & 0 & {{- \tan}\mspace{11mu}\beta_{1}} \\{\tan\mspace{11mu}\beta_{2}} & 0 & {{- \cos}\mspace{11mu}\alpha_{2}}\end{pmatrix}^{- 1}\begin{pmatrix}{y_{1} - {x_{1}\tan\mspace{11mu}\alpha_{1}}} \\{x_{2} - {z_{2}\tan\mspace{11mu}\beta_{1}}} \\{{x_{1}\tan\mspace{11mu}\beta_{2}} - {z_{1}\cos\mspace{11mu}\alpha_{2}}}\end{pmatrix}}}} & (33) \\{\overset{arrow}{p_{2}} = {\begin{pmatrix}x \\y \\z\end{pmatrix} = {\begin{pmatrix}{{- \tan}\mspace{11mu}\alpha_{1}} & 1 & 0 \\1 & 0 & {{- \tan}\mspace{11mu}\beta_{1}} \\{{- \tan}\mspace{11mu}\alpha_{3}} & 1 & 0\end{pmatrix}^{- 1}\begin{pmatrix}{y_{1} - {x_{1}\tan\mspace{11mu}\alpha_{1}}} \\{x_{2} - {z_{2}\tan\mspace{11mu}\beta_{1}}} \\{y_{2} - {x_{2}\tan\mspace{11mu}\alpha_{3}}}\end{pmatrix}}}} & (34)\end{matrix}$

in which, (x₁, y₁, z₁) and (x₁, y₁, z₁) respectively indicatethree-dimensional coordinates of TRP1 and TRP2.

Subsequently, the final position p of the UE may be calculated with theweighted averaging method according to the following equation:

$\begin{matrix}{\overset{arrow}{p} = {{\gamma_{1}\overset{arrow}{p_{1}}} + {\gamma_{2}\overset{arrow}{p_{2}}}}} & (35)\end{matrix}$

in which, γ₁ and γ₂ are weighted coefficients (γ₁+γ₂=1), which may beproportional to maximum reception signal to noise ratios at TRP1 andTRP2 respectively when UE performs beam scanning.

The embodiment of determining the position of the UE is described above,and the embodiment is illustrative rather than restrictive.

It follows that, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure,multiple network side devices may perform beam scanning on the userequipment simultaneously to obtain the beam emission angle informationof the network side device, and the user equipment may perform beamscanning on the multiple network side devices to obtain the beamemission angle information of the user equipment. In this way, thepositioning accuracy of the user equipment can be further improved.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the beam scanningof the network side device and the user equipment may be performed byTDD, or the beam scanning of the network side device and the userequipment may be performed by FDD.

FIG. 27(a) shows a signaling flowchart of performing beam scanning by auser equipment and a network side device in a TDD mode according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 27(a), in stepS2701, TRP1 and TRP2 perform beam scanning for the UE. Subsequently, instep S2702, the UE perform beam scanning for TRP1 and TRP2. Beamscanning in the above two steps is performed at different time and thesame frequency.

FIG. 27(b) shows a signaling flowchart of performing beam scanning by auser equipment and a network side device in an FDD mode according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 27(b), in stepS2701, TRP1 and TRP2 perform beam scanning for the UE. At the same time,the UE perform beam scanning for TRP1 and TRP2. Beam scanning in theabove two steps is performed at the same time and different frequencies.

As described above, with the user equipment 2600 according to thepresent disclosure, the beam emission angle information of each networkside device can be determined according to the PRSs received frommultiple network side devices, and such beam emission angle informationcan be used to position the user equipment 2600. In this way, thepositioning based on the beam angle can be achieved, thereby positioningmore accurately. In addition, the user equipment 2600 may perform beamscanning for the multiple network side devices, thereby furtherimproving the positioning accuracy.

The electronic device 1800 according to the embodiment of the presentdisclosure may function as the network side device, that is, theelectronic device 1800 can provide service for the user equipment 2600.Therefore, all embodiments of the electronic device 1800 described aboveare applied to the network side device.

<5. Method Embodiments>

A wireless communication method performed by an electronic device 1800used as a network side device in a wireless communication systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described indetail hereinafter.

FIG. 28 shows a flowchart of a wireless communication method performedby an electronic device 1800 used as a network side device in a wirelesscommunication system according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

As shown in FIG. 28, in step S2810, a serial number of an electronicdevice in a group composed of electronic devices for positioning a userequipment is obtained.

Subsequently, in step S2820, a time frequency position of a positioningreference signal PRS of the electronic device is determined according toa serial number of the electronic device in the group.

Preferably, the process of obtaining a serial number of the electronicdevice in the group composed of electronic devices for positioning theuser equipment may include: receiving the serial number of theelectronic device in the group from the positioning server or otherelectronic device in the group.

Preferably, the process of obtaining a serial number of the electronicdevice in the group composed of electronic devices for positioning theuser equipment may include: determining a group composed of theelectronic devices for positioning the user equipment from multiplenetwork side devices; and determining the serial number of theelectronic device in the group and the serial number of other electronicdevice in the group.

Preferably, the process of determining the group composed of electronicdevices for positioning the user equipment from the multiple networkside device may include selecting a group from the multiple network sidedevices according to at least one of the following parameters: linkquality between each of the multiple network side devices and the userequipment; a position of each network side device; a coverage of eachnetwork side device; and antenna array information of each network sidedevice.

Preferably, the method further includes: transmitting the serial numberof other electronic device in the group to other electronic device, sothat other electronic device determines the time frequency position ofthe PRS for other electronic device according to the serial number ofother electronic device in the group.

Preferably, the method further includes: determining the time frequencyposition of the PRS of other electronic device according to the serialnumber of other electronic device in the group; and transmitting thetime frequency position of the PRS for other electronic device to otherelectronic device.

Preferably, the method further includes: transmitting the serial numberof the electronic device in the group and the serial number of otherelectronic device in the group to the user equipment, so that the userequipment determines the time frequency position of the PRS for eachelectronic device in the group.

Preferably, the method further includes: transmitting the time frequencyposition of the PRS of the electronic device to the user equipment.

Preferably, the process of determining the time frequency position ofthe positioning reference signal PRS for the electronic device includes:determining a time frequency position of the PRS in the RB according toa subcarrier interval of a resource block RB and the serial number ofthe electronic device in the group.

Preferably, the process of determining the time frequency position ofthe positioning reference signal PRS for the electronic device mayinclude: determining a time domain position of the PRS according to thesubcarrier interval; and determining a frequency domain position of thePRS according to the time domain position of the PRS and the serialnumber of the electronic device in the group.

Preferably, the process of determining the time frequency position ofthe positioning reference signal PRS for the electronic device includes:determining the time domain position of the PRS, so that the PRS doesnot overlap with each of physical downlink control channel PDCCH,demodulation reference signal DMRS and channel state informationreference signal CSI-RS on the RB in the time domain.

Preferably, the process of determining the time frequency position ofthe positioning reference signal PRS for the electronic device includes:determining the time frequency position of the PRS so that multipleresource elements REs occupied by the PRS are located on differentorthogonal frequency division multiplexing OFDM symbols; and/or multipleREs occupied by the PRS are located on different subcarriers.

Preferably, the process of determining the time frequency position ofthe positioning reference signal PRS for the electronic device includesdetermining the time frequency position of the PRS according to at leastone of the following parameters: physical layer cell identification of acell where the user equipment is located; a bandwidth for transmittingthe PRS; a bandwidth for transmitting downlink data; the number ofelectronic devices in the group; link quality between the electronicdevice and the user equipment; and identification of the user equipment.

Preferably, the method further includes: performing beam scanning on theuser equipment by using the PRS of the electronic device.

Preferably, the electronic device 1800 includes a transmit and receiveport TRP in a new radio NR communication system.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the above methodmay be performed by the electronic device 1800 according to theembodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, all embodiments of theelectronic device 1800 described above adapt to the method.

Subsequently, a wireless communication method performed by a userequipment 2600 in a wireless communication system according to anembodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail.

FIG. 29 shows a flowchart of a wireless communication method performedby a user equipment 2600 in a wireless communication system according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 29, in step S2910, a positioning reference signal PRSis received from multiple network side devices. In which, a timefrequency position of the PRS for each network side device is determinedaccording to a serial number of the network side device in a groupcomposed of multiple network side devices.

Subsequently, in step S2920, beam emission angle information of eachnetwork side device is determined according to the PRS received fromeach network side device.

Preferably, the method further includes: determining a position of theuser equipment according to the beam emission angle information of eachnetwork side device.

Preferably, the method further includes: transmitting the beam emissionangle information of each network side device to a positioning server,so that the positioning server determines the position of the userequipment.

Preferably, the method further includes: performing beam scanning onmultiple network side devices to obtain the beam emission angleinformation of the user equipment; and determining the position of theuser equipment according to the beam emission angle information of eachnetwork side device and the beam emission angle information of the userequipment.

Preferably, the method further includes: receiving a time frequencyposition of the PRS for the network side device from each of themultiple network side devices.

Preferably, the method further includes: determining the time frequencyposition of the PRS for each network side device according to a serialnumber of each of the multiple network side devices in the group.

Preferably, the method further includes: receiving the serial number ofeach network side device in the group from a network side deviceproviding service for the user equipment or the positioning server.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may beperformed by the user equipment 2600 according to the embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Therefore, all embodiments of the user equipment2600 described above adapt to the method.

<6 Application Examples>

The technology of the present disclosure can be applied to variousproducts.

The network side device may be implemented as any type of TRP. The TRPmay have transmission and receiving functions. For example, the TRP mayreceive information from a user equipment and a base station device, andmay transmit information to the user equipment and the base stationdevice. In a typical example, the TRP may provide services for the userequipment, and is controlled by the base station device. Further, theTRP may have a similar structure as the base station device describedbelow, or may have only a structure related to information transmissionand reception in the base station device.

The network side device may be implemented as any type of base stationdevice, such as a macro eNB and a small eNB, and may also be implementedas any type of gNB (a base station in a 5G system). The small eNB may bean eNB covering a cell smaller than a macro cell, such as a pico eNB, amicro eNB and a home (femto) eNB. Alternatively, the base station may beimplemented as any other type of base station, such as NodeB and a basestation transceiver station (BTS). The base station may include: a bodyconfigured to control wireless communication (also referred to as a basestation device); and one or more remote radio head end (RRH) located ata place different from the body.

The user equipment may be a mobile terminal (for example a smartphone, atablet personal computer (PC), a notebook PC, a portable game terminal,a portable/dongle mobile router and a digital camera) or a vehicleterminal (such as a vehicle navigation device). The user equipment maybe implemented as a communication terminal performing machine to machine(M2M) (also referred to as a machine type communication (MTC) terminal).In addition, the user equipment may be a wireless communication module(for example an integrated circuit module including a single chip)installed in each of the user equipments.

<Application Examples of the Base Station>

(First Application Example)

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a first example of a schematicconfiguration of an eNB to which the technology of the presentdisclosure may be applied. An eNB 3000 includes one or more antennas3010 and a base station device 3020. The base station device 3020 andeach of the antennas 3010 may be connected with each other via an RFcable.

Each of the antennas 3010 includes one or more antenna elements (such asmultiple antenna elements included in a multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO) antenna), and is used for transmitting and receiving a radiosignal by the base station device 1820. The eNB 3000 may include themultiple antennas 3010, as shown in FIG. 30. For example, the multipleantennas 3010 may be compatible with multiple frequency bands used bythe eNB 3000. Although FIG. 30 illustrates an example in which the eNB3000 includes multiple antennas 3010, the eNB 3000 may also include asingle antenna 3010.

The base station device 3020 includes a controller 3021, a memory 3022,a network interface 3023, and a wireless communication interface 3025.

The controller 3021 may be a CPU or a DSP and control various functionsof higher layers of the base station device 3020. For example, thecontroller 3021 generates a data packet based on data in a signalprocessed by the wireless communication interface 3025, and transfersthe generated packet via a network interface 3023. The controller 3021may bundle data from multiple baseband processors to generate bundledpacket, and transfer the generated bundled packet. The controller 3021may have logical functions of performing control such as radio resourcecontrol, radio bearer control, mobility management, admission control,and scheduling. The control may be performed in conjunction with anadjacent eNB or a core network node. The memory 3022 includes RAM andROM, and stores a program that is executed by the controller 3021, andvarious types of control data (such as a terminal list, transmissionpower data, and scheduling data).

The network interface 3023 is a communication interface for connectingthe base station device 3020 to a core network 3024. The controller 3021may communicate with a core network node or another eNB via the networkinterface 3023. In that case, the eNB 3000 and the core network node orthe other eNB may be connected to each other through a logical interface(such as an S1 interface and an X2 interface). The network interface3023 may also be a wired communication interface or a wirelesscommunication interface for radio backhaul. If the network interface3023 is a wireless communication interface, it may use a higherfrequency band for wireless communication than a frequency band used bythe wireless communication interface 3025.

The wireless communication interface 3025 supports any cellularcommunication scheme (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) andLTE-Advanced), and provides wireless connection to a terminal positionedin a cell of the eNB 3000 via the antenna 3010. The wirelesscommunication interface 3025 may typically include, for example, a baseband (BB) processor 3026 and an RF circuit 3027. The BB processor 3026may perform, for example, coding/decoding, modulation/demodulation andmultiplexing/de-multiplexing, and perform various types of signalprocesses of the layers (for example L1, media access control (MAC),radio link control (RLC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP)).Instead of the controller 3021, the BB processor 3026 may have a part orall of the above-described logical functions. The BB processor 3026 maybe a memory that stores the communication control program, or a modulethat includes a processor and related circuitry configured to performthe program. In this way, the function of the BB processor 3026 may bechanged when the programs are updated. The module may be a card or ablade that is inserted into a slot of the base station device 3020.Alternatively, the module may be a chip that is mounted on the card orthe blade. Meanwhile, the RF circuit 3027 may include, for example, afrequency mixer, a filter and an amplifier, and transmit and receive aradio signal via the antenna 3010.

As shown in FIG. 30, the wireless communication interface 3025 mayinclude multiple BB processors 3026. For example, multiple BB processors3026 may be compatible with multiple frequency bands used by the eNB3000. As shown in FIG. 30, the wireless communication interface 3025 mayinclude multiple RF circuits 3027. For example, the multiple RF circuits3027 may be compatible with multiple antenna elements. Although anexample in which the wireless communication interface 3025 includesmultiple BB processors 3026 and multiple RF circuits 3027 is shown inFIG. 30, the wireless communication interface 3025 may also include asingle BB processor 3026 or a single RF circuit 3027.

(Second Application Example)

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing a second example of a schematicconfiguration of an eNB to which the technology according to the presentdisclosure may be applied. An eNB 3130 includes one or more antennas3140, a base station device 3150 and an RRH 3160. Each antenna 3140 andthe RRH 3160 may be connected to each other via an RF cable. The basestation device 3150 and the RRH 3160 may be connected to each other viaa high-speed line such as a fiber cable.

Each of the antennas 3140 includes one or more antenna elements (such asthe multiple antenna elements included in the MIMO antenna), and is usedfor transmitting and receiving the radio signal by the RRH 3160. Asshown in FIG. 31, the eNB 3130 may include multiple antennas 3140. Forexample, the multiple antennas 3140 may be compatible with multiplefrequency bands used by the eNB 3130. Although an example in which theeNB 3130 includes multiple antennas 3140 is shown in FIG. 31, the eNB3130 may also include a single antenna 3140.

The base station device 3150 includes a controller 3151, a memory 3152,a network interface 3153, a wireless communication interface 3155, and aconnection interface 3157. The controller 3151, the memory 3152, and thenetwork interface 3153 are the same as the controller 3021, the memory3022, and the network interface 3023 described with reference to FIG.30.

The wireless communication interface 3155 supports any cellularcommunication solution (such as LTE and LTE-advanced), and provideswireless communication with a terminal located in a sector correspondingto the RRH 3160 via the RRH 3160 and the antenna 3140. The wirelesscommunication interface 3155 may typically include, for example, a BBprocessor 3156. Other than connecting to an RF circuit 3164 of the RRH3160 via the connection interface 3157, the BB processor 3156 is thesame as the BB processor 3026 described with reference to FIG. 30. Asshow in FIG. 31, the wireless communication interface 3155 may includemultiple BB processors 3156. For example, the multiple BB processors3156 may be compatible with the multiple frequency bands used by the eNB3130. Although FIG. 31 illustrates an example in which the wirelesscommunication interface 3155 includes multiple BB processors 3156, thewireless communication interface 3155 may also include a single BBprocessor 3156.

The connection interface 3157 is an interface for connecting the basestation device 3150 (the wireless communication interface 3155) to theRRH 3160. The connection interface 3157 may also be a communicationmodule for communication in the above-described high-speed line thatconnects the base station device 3150 (the wireless communicationinterface 3155) to the RRH 3160.

The RRH 3160 includes a connection interface 3161 and a wirelesscommunication interface 3163.

The connection interface 3161 is an interface for connecting the RRH3160 (the wireless communication interface 3163) to the base stationdevice 3150. The connection interface 3161 may also be a communicationmodule for the communication in the above high-speed line.

The wireless communication interface 3163 transmits and receives a radiosignal via the antenna 3140. The wireless communication interface 3163may generally include, for example, the RF circuit 3164. The RF circuit3164 may include, for example, a frequency mixer, a filter and anamplifier, and transmit and receive a radio signal via the antenna 3140.The wireless communication interface 3163 may include multiple RFcircuits 3164, as shown in FIG. 31. For example, the multiple RFcircuits 3164 may support multiple antenna elements. Although FIG. 31illustrates the example in which the wireless communication interface3163 includes the multiple RF circuits 3164, the wireless communicationinterface 3163 may also include a single RF circuit 3164.

In the eNB 3100 shown in FIG. 30 and the eNB 3130 shown in FIG. 31, thecalculation unit 1820, the determination unit 1830 and the scanning unit1840 described in FIG. 18 may be implemented by the controller 3021and/or the controller 3151. At least a part of functions may beimplemented by the controller 3021 and the controller 3151. For example,the controller 3021 and/or the controller 3151 may classify the networkside devices, determine the position of the PRS and perform beamscanning by executing instructions stored in a corresponding memory.

<Application Example of a Terminal Device>

(First Application Example)

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing an example of exemplary configurationof a smartphone 3200 to which the technology of the present disclosuremay be applied. The smart phone 3200 includes a processor 3201, a memory3202, a storage device 3203, an external connection interface 3204, acamera 3206, a sensor 3207, a microphone 3208, an input device 3209, adisplay device 3210, a speaker 3211, a wireless communication interface3212, one or more antenna switches 3215, one or more antennas 3216, abus 3217, a battery 3218 and an auxiliary controller 3219.

The processor 3201 may be, for example, a CPU or a system on chip (SoC),and control functions of an application layer and other layers of thesmart phone 3200. The memory 3202 includes a RAM and a ROM, and stores aprogram that is executed by the processor 3201, and data. The storagedevice 3203 may include a storage medium such as a semiconductor memoryand a hard disk. The external connection interface 3204 is an interfacefor connecting an external device (such as a memory card and a universalserial bus (USB) device) to the smart phone 3200.

The camera 3206 includes an image sensor such as a charge coupled device(CCD) and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), andgenerates a captured image. The sensor 3207 may include a group ofsensors such as a measurement sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagneticsensor, and an acceleration sensor. The microphone 3208 converts soundsthat are inputted to the smart phone 3200 into audio signals. The inputdevice 3209 includes, for example, a touch sensor configured to detecttouch onto a screen of the display device 3210, a keypad, a keyboard, abutton, or a switch, and receive an operation or information inputtedfrom a user. The display device 3210 includes a screen such as a liquidcrystal display (LCD) and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED)display, and displays an output image of the smart phone 3200. Thespeaker 3211 converts audio signals that are outputted from thesmartphone 3200 to sounds.

The wireless communication interface 3212 supports any cellularcommunication scheme (such as LTE and LTE-Advanced), and performswireless communication. The wireless communication interface 3212 maytypically include, for example, a base band (BB) processor 3213 and a RFcircuit 3214. The BB processor 3213 may perform encoding/decoding,modulating/demodulating and multiplexing/demultiplexing, for example,and perform various types of signal processing for wirelesscommunication. The RF circuit 3214 may include a frequency mixer, afilter and an amplifier, for example, and transmit and receive a radiosignal via the antenna 3216. The wireless communication interface 3212may be a chip module having the BB processor 3213 and the RF circuit3214 integrated thereon. The wireless communication interface 3212 mayinclude multiple BB processors 3213 and multiple RF circuits 3214, asshown in FIG. 32. Although FIG. 32 illustrates the example in which thewireless communication interface 3212 includes the multiple BBprocessors 3213 and the multiple RF circuits 3214, the wirelesscommunication interface 3212 may also include a single BB processor 3213or a single RF circuit 3214.

Moreover, in addition to a cellular communication scheme, the wirelesscommunication interface 3212 may also support a wireless communicationscheme of another type, such as a short-distance wireless communicationscheme, a near field communication scheme, and a wireless local areanetwork (LAN) scheme. In this case, the wireless communication interface3212 may include a BB processor 3213 and an RF circuit 3214 for eachwireless communication scheme.

Each of the antenna switches 3215 switches connection destinations ofthe antennas 3216 among multiple circuits (such as circuits fordifferent wireless communication schemes) included in the wirelesscommunication interface 3212.

Each of the antennas 3216 includes one or more antenna elements (such asmultiple antenna elements included in an MIMO antenna), and is used forthe wireless communication interface 3212 to transmit and receive radiosignals. The smartphone 3200 may include the multiple antennas 3216, asshown in FIG. 32. Although FIG. 32 illustrates the example in which thesmartphone 3200 includes the multiple antennas 3216, the smartphone 3200may also include a single antenna 3216.

In addition, the smart phone 3200 may include an antenna 3216 for eachwireless communication scheme. In this case, the antenna switches 3215may be omitted from the configuration of the smart phone 3200.

The bus 3217 connects the processor 3201, the memory 3202, the storagedevice 3203, the external connection interface 3204, the camera 3206,the sensor 3207, the microphone 3208, the input device 3209, the displaydevice 3210, the speaker 3211, the wireless communication interface3212, and the auxiliary controller 3219 to each other. The battery 3218supplies power to each block of the smartphone 3200 shown in FIG. 32 viafeeders which are partially shown by dashed lines in the figure. Theauxiliary controller 3219 operates a minimum necessary function of thesmartphone 3200, for example, in a sleep mode.

In the smartphone 3200 shown in FIG. 32, the determination unit 2620,the positioning unit 2630, the scanning unit 2640 and the calculationunit 3650 described in FIG. 26 may be implemented by a processor 3201 oran auxiliary controller 3219. At least a part of function may beimplemented by the processor 3201 or the auxiliary controller 3219. Forexample, the processor 3201 or the auxiliary controller 3219 maydetermine a beam emission angle, position, calculate the position of thePRS and perform beam scanning on the network side device, by executinginstructions stored in the memory 3202 or the storage device 3203.

(Second Application Example)

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematicconfiguration of a vehicle navigation device 3320 to which thetechnology according to the present disclosure may be applied. Thevehicle navigation device 3320 includes a processor 3321, a memory 3322,a global positioning system (GPS) module 3324, a sensor 3325, a datainterface 3326, a content player 3327, a storage medium interface 3328,an input device 3329, a display device 3330, a speaker 3331, a wirelesscommunication interface 3333, one or more antenna switches 3336, one ormore antennas 3337, and a battery 3338.

The processor 3321 may be for example the CPU or the SoC, and controlthe navigation function and other functions of the vehicle navigationdevice 3320. The memory 3322 includes a RAM and a ROM, and stores aprogram that is executed by the processor 3321 and data.

The GPS module 3324 determines a position (such as latitude, longitude,and altitude) of the vehicle navigation device 3320 by using GPS signalsreceived from a GPS satellite. The sensor 3325 may include a group ofsensors such as a gyroscope sensor, a geomagnetic sensor and an airpressure sensor. The data interface 3326 is connected to, for example,an in-vehicle network 3341 via a terminal that is not shown, andacquires data generated by the vehicle, such as vehicle speed data.

The content player 3327 reproduces content stored in a storage medium(such as a CD and a DVD) that is inserted into the storage mediuminterface 3328. The input device 3329 includes, for example, a touchsensor configured to detect touch on a screen of the display device3330, a button, or a switch, and receives an operation or informationinputted from a user. The display device 3330 includes a screen such asa LCD or an OLED display, and displays an image of the navigationfunction or content that is reproduced. The speaker 3331 outputs soundsof the navigation function or the content that is reproduced.

The wireless communication interface 3333 supports any cellularcommunication scheme (such as LTE and LTE-advanced) and performswireless communication. The wireless communication interface 3333 maytypically include, for example, a BB processor 3334 and an RF circuit3335. The BB processor 3334 may perform encoding/decoding,modulating/demodulating and multiplexing/demultiplexing, for example,and perform various types of signal processing for wirelesscommunication. The RF circuit 3335 may include a mixer, a filter and anamplifier, for example, and transmit and receive a radio signal via theantenna 3337. The wireless communication interface 3333 may also be onechip module that has the BB processor 3334 and the RF circuit 3335integrated thereon. The wireless communication interface 3333 mayinclude multiple BB processors 3334 and multiple RF circuits 3335, asshown in FIG. 33. Although FIG. 33 shows the example in which thewireless communication interface 3333 includes the multiple BBprocessors 3334 and the multiple RF circuits 3335, the wirelesscommunication interface 3333 may also include a single BB processor 3334or a single RF circuit 3335.

In addition to the cellular communication scheme, the wirelesscommunication interface 3333 may also support a wireless communicationscheme of another type, such as a short-distance wireless communicationscheme, a near field communication scheme, and a wireless LAN scheme. Inthis case, the wireless communication interface 3333 may include a BBprocessor 3334 and a RF circuit 3335 for each wireless communicationscheme.

Each of the antenna switches 3336 switches connection destinations ofthe antenna 3337 among multiple circuits (such as circuits for differentwireless communication schemes) included in the wireless communicationinterface 3333.

Each of the antennas 3337 includes one or more antenna elements (such asmultiple antenna elements included in the MIMO antenna), and is used forthe wireless communication interface 3333 to transmit and receive aradio signal. The vehicle navigation device 3320 may include multipleantennas 3337, as shown in FIG. 33. Although FIG. 33 illustrates theexample in which the vehicle navigation device 3320 includes themultiple antennas 3337, the vehicle navigation device 3320 may alsoinclude a single antenna 3337.

Furthermore, the vehicle navigation device 3320 may include the antenna3337 for each wireless communication scheme. In this case, the antennaswitches 3336 may be omitted from the configuration of the vehiclenavigation device 3320.

The battery 3338 supplies power to each block of the vehicle navigationdevice 3320 shown in FIG. 33 via feeders which are partially shown bydashed lines in the figure. The battery 3338 accumulates power suppliedform the vehicle.

In the vehicle navigation device 3320 shown in FIG. 33, thedetermination unit 2620, the positioning unit 2630, the scanning unit2640 and the calculation unit 3650 described in FIG. 26 may beimplemented by the processor 3321. At least a part of functions may beimplemented by the processor 3321. For example, the processor 3321 maydetermine the beam emission angle, position, calculate the position ofthe PRS and perform beam scanning on the network side device byexecuting instruction stored in the memory 3322.

The technology of the present disclosure may also be implemented as anin-vehicle system (or a vehicle) 3340 including one or more of theblocks of the vehicle navigation device 3320, an in-vehicle network 3341and a vehicle module 3342. The vehicle module 3342 generates vehicledata such as vehicle speed, engine speed, and fault information, andoutputs the generated data to the in-vehicle network 3341.

Preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been described above withreference to the drawings, but the disclosure is not limited to theabove examples of course. Those skilled in the art may make variouschanges and modifications within the scope of the appended claims, andit is to be understood that such changes and modifications naturallyfall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, units shown by a dotted line block in the functional blockdiagram shown in the drawings indicate that the functional units areoptional in the corresponding device, and the optional functional unitsmay be combined appropriately to achieve the required function.

For example, multiple functions of one unit in the above embodiment maybe realized by separate devices. Alternatively, multiple functionsimplemented by multiple units in the above embodiments may berespectively implemented by separate devices. Furthermore, one of theabove functions may be implemented by multiple units. Needless to say,such configurations are included in the technical scope of the presentdisclosure.

In the specification, steps described in the flowchart include not onlythe processing performed chronologically, but also the processingperformed in parallel or individually rather than chronologically.Further, even in the steps processed chronically, without saying, theorder may be appropriately changed.

The embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail inconjunction with the drawings above. However, it should be understoodthat the embodiments described above are intended to illustrate thepresent disclosure rather than limit the present disclosure.

Those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications tothe embodiments without departing from the essence and scope of thepresent disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure isdefined by the attached claims and equivalents thereof.

1. A user equipment comprising: a wireless transceiver; and processingcircuitry configured to: receive a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS)within a Resource Block (RB) on each of a plurality of different beams,each PRS received from a respective one of a plurality of transmit andreceive ports (TRPs); based on the received PRSs, determine beamtransmission angle information of each TRP of the plurality of TRPs;send the beam transmission angle information of each TRP to apositioning server to enable the positioning server to determine aposition of the user equipment.
 2. The user equipment of claim 1,wherein the positioning server is one of the TRPs.
 3. The user equipmentof claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry configured to receive atime frequency position of each PRS.
 4. The user equipment of claim 3,wherein a frequency domain position of the time frequency position ofeach PRS is determined according to each of: a subcarrier interval of arespective RB; a physical layer cell identification of a cell where theuser equipment is located; a bandwidth for transmitting the PRS; and abandwidth for transmitting downlink data, and wherein a time domainposition of the time frequency position is configured according to thesubcarrier interval.
 5. The user equipment of claim 4, wherein the timefrequency position of the PRS is determined based also on at least oneof the following parameters: a number of the plurality of network sidedevices; a link quality between the one network device and the userequipment; or an identification of the user equipment.
 6. The userequipment of claim 5, wherein the frequency domain position of the timefrequency position of each PRS is further determined according to anumber of resource elements (REs) occupied by a respective PRS on eachOrthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol of the RB beingno more than two.
 7. A method performed by a user equipment in awireless network, the method comprising: receiving a PositioningReference Signal (PRS) within a Resource Block (RB) on each of aplurality of different beams, each PRS received from a respective one ofa plurality of transmit and receive ports (TRPs); based on the receivedPRSs, determining beam transmission angle information of each TRP of theplurality of TRPs; sending the beam transmission angle information ofeach TRP to a positioning server to enable the positioning server todetermine a position of the user equipment.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein the positioning server is one of the TRPs.
 9. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising: receiving a time frequency position of eachPRS.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein a frequency domain position ofthe time frequency position of each PRS is determined according to eachof: a subcarrier interval of a respective RB; a physical layer cellidentification of a cell where the user equipment is located; abandwidth for transmitting the PRS; and a bandwidth for transmittingdownlink data, and wherein a time domain position of the time frequencyposition is configured according to the subcarrier interval.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the time frequency position of the PRS isdetermined based also on at least one of the following parameters: anumber of the plurality of network side devices; a link quality betweenthe one network device and the user equipment; or an identification ofthe user equipment.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the frequencydomain position of the time frequency position of each PRS is furtherdetermined according to a number of resource elements (REs) occupied bya respective PRS on each Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing(OFDM) symbol of the RB being no more than two.
 13. A non-transitorycomputer readable medium containing instructions to cause a userequipment in a wireless network to perform a method, the methodcomprising: receiving a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) within aResource Block (RB) on each of a plurality of different beams, each PRSreceived from a respective one of a plurality of transmit and receiveports (TRPs); based on the received PRSs, determining beam transmissionangle information of each TRP of the plurality of TRPs; sending the beamtransmission angle information of each TRP to a positioning server toenable the positioning server to determine a position of the userequipment.